Basiconic Sensilla Research Articles

Scanning electron microscopy studies of antennal sensilla of Ooencyrtus phongi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Ooencyrtus phongi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important egg parasitoid of the litchi stink bug, Tessaratoma papillosa (Drury) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). Antennae of parasitic Hymenoptera are important sensory organs and play an important role in host location, host discrimination, courtship, and mating behavior. In this article, we examined the external morphology of the antennal sensilla of female and male of O. phongi using scanning electron microscopy. Twelve morphological sensillar types were recognized in both sexes, including the placoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla, two types of sensilla trichodea, and eight types of sensilla chaetica. Major differences were found between the sexes, in number, distribution, shape, structure, and size of the identified sensilla. These results are discussed in relation to the possible role of these sensilla in the host location behavior of O. phongi.

Generic Insect Repellent Detector from the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster

BackgroundInsect repellents are prophylactic tools against a number of vector-borne diseases. There is growing demand for repellents outperforming DEET in cost and safety, but with the current technologies R&D of a new product takes almost 10 years, with a prohibitive cost of $30 million dollar in part due to the demand for large-scale synthesis of thousands of test compounds of which only 1 may reach the market. R&D could be expedited and cost dramatically reduced with a molecular/physiological target to streamline putative repellents for final efficacy and toxicological tests.MethodologyUsing olfactory-based choice assay we show here that the fruit fly is repelled by not only DEET, but also IR3535 and picaridin thus suggesting they might have “generic repellent detector(s),” which may be of practical applications in new repellent screenings. We performed single unit recordings from all olfactory sensilla in the antennae and maxillary palps. Although the ab3A neuron in the wild type flies responded to picaridin, it was unresponsive to DEET and IR3535. By contrast, a neuron housed in the palp basiconic sensilla pb1 responded to DEET, IR3535, and picaridin, with apparent sensitivity higher than that of the DEET detectors in the mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. DmOr42a was transplanted from pb1 to the “empty neuron” and showed to be sensitive to the three insect repellents.ConclusionsFor the first time we have demonstrated that the fruit fly avoids not only DEET but also IR3535 and picaridin, and identified an olfactory receptor neuron (ORN), which is sensitive to these three major insect repellents. We have also identified the insect repellent-sensitive receptor, DmOr42a. This generic detector fulfils the requirements for a simplified bioassay for early screening of test insect repellents.

Microstructure of the antennal sensory organs in female millipede Oxidus gracilis (Polydesmida: Paradoxomatidae)

The fine structural characteristics of the antennal sensory organs of a female millipede Oxidus gracilis (Polydesmida: Paradoxomatidae) were observed with both field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We could identify four apical cones and three basic types of antennal sensillae in O. gracilis as follows: chaetiform sensilla (CS), trichoid sensilla (TS) and basiconic sensilla (BS). Of these, both types of CS and TS can be observed throughout all antennal segments except the terminal 8th article, whereas the BS are observed within the cuticular depressed regions of the articles from the 5th to the 7th segment. According to their relative size, microstructure and location, the BS are divided further into three subtypes: large (BS1), small (BS2) and spiniform (BS3). The BS1 can be seen on the 5th article only, while BS2 can be seen on the 5th and 6th articles. The BS3 is characteristically seen within the depressive region of the 7th article. Both the CS and TS of O. gracilis are similar in structure, and they are related to the function of mechanical reception; however, four large apical cones (AP) and three subtypes of BS are likely to function in gustatory and olfactory reception.

Characterization of olfactory sensilla of Stomoxys calcitrans and electrophysiological responses to odorant compounds associated with hosts and oviposition media

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae), are economically important biting flies that have caused billions of dollars in losses in the livestock industry. Field monitoring studies have indicated that olfaction plays an important role in host location. To further our understanding of stable fly olfaction, we examined the antennal morphology of adults using scanning electron microscopy techniques. Four major types of sensillum were found and classified as: (a) basiconic sensilla; (b) trichoid sensilla with three subtypes; (c) clavate sensilla, and (d) coeloconic sensilla. No significant differences between male and female flies in abundances (total numbers) of these sensillum types were observed, except for medium-sized trichoid sensilla. The distinctive pore structures found on the surface of basiconic and clavate sensilla suggest their olfactory functions. No wall pores were found in trichoid and coeloconic sensilla, which suggests that these two types of sensillum may function as mechano-receptors. Details of the distributions of different sensillum types located on the funicle of the fly antenna were also recorded. Electroantennogram results indicated significant antennal responses to host-associated compounds. The importance of stable fly olfaction relative to host and host environment seeking is discussed. This research provides valuable new information that will enhance future developments in integrated stable fly management.

Functional morphology of the mouthparts in the scorpionfly Sinopanorpa tincta (Mecoptera: Panorpidae)

The feeding mechanism of insects can be deduced from the morphology of their mouthparts. The mouthpart morphology of the scorpionfly Sinopanorpa tincta (Navás) was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The mandibulate mouthparts of S. tincta are situated at the distal end of the rostrum, which is formed from the elongation of clypeus and subgenae. The blade-shaped mandible terminates in two inwardly curved sharp teeth. The paired maxillae each consist of a triangular cardo, an elongated stipes, a hirsute galea, a spiny lacinia, and a five-segmented palpus. Rows-arranged claw-like spines are first found to occur on the mesal side of the lacinia. The labium is composed of a basal elongated membranous submentum, a central vase-shaped mentum, and a short distal prementum, which distally carries a pair of two-segmented labial palpi. The proximal labial palpomere is very hirsute on mesal side and well sclerotized at the basal part of the lateral side. On the baso-mesal side of the distal labial palpomere is a triangular area, which is densely furnished with long microtrichia. Various sensilla are concentrated on the epipharynx, maxillary and labial palpi. The pattern of thick basiconic sensilla at the apex of epipharynx exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism. The feeding mechanism is conjectured from the ultramorphology of the mouthparts. We suggest that scorpionflies are likely to feed on liquid food of their prey after extra-oral digestion. Hair brushes on the hirsute epipharynx, galeae, laciniae, labial palpi, and hypopharynx might serve to filtrate large particles.

Dynamic Characterization ofDrosophilaAntennal Olfactory Neurons Indicates Multiple Opponent Signaling Pathways in Odor Discrimination

Opponent signaling refers to processes in which antagonistic signals are produced by different, but closely related, stimuli. It allows enhanced discrimination and more accurate behavioral responses. We explored opponent signaling in the Drosophila melanogaster olfactory system by measuring frequency response functions between odorant concentrations and primary olfactory neuron responses. Random fluctuations in concentration of two aliphatic and two aromatic fruit odorants were used to modulate action potentials from basiconic antennal sensilla. We separated action potentials by two-dimensional cluster analysis using amplitude and cross-correlation with a median action-potential template. Frequency response functions were fitted with either bandpass or second-order low-pass functions and then divided into two polarity groups, excitatory and inhibitory, by fitting the frequency response functions. Cluster analysis gave two, three, or four action potential clusters for each sensillum recording. Sensilla were then grouped by the patterns of response polarities of the individual neurons into four sensillum types, one with four neurons and three with two neurons. All four odorant compounds produced a mixture of excitatory, inhibitory, and null responses in different neurons. Statistical analysis of frequency response parameters for individual odorants gave only weak correlation between dynamics and some neuron types, even when comparing the dynamics of excitatory and inhibitory responses to the same odorant. However, response dynamics were significantly different between aliphatic and aromatic compounds, and between the two aliphatic compounds. Each odorant caused opposing excitatory and inhibitory signals to be sent to the antennal lobe along at least two pairs of axonal pathways.

Expression and function of the empty spiracles gene in olfactory sense organ development of Drosophila melanogaster

In Drosophila, the cephalic gap gene empty spiracles plays key roles in embryonic patterning of the peripheral and central nervous system. During postembryonic development, it is involved in the development of central olfactory circuitry in the antennal lobe of the adult. However, its possible role in the postembryonic development of peripheral olfactory sense organs has not been investigated. Here, we show that empty spiracles acts in a subset of precursors that generate the olfactory sense organs of the adult antenna. All empty spiracles-expressing precursor cells co-express the proneural gene amos and the early patterning gene lozenge. Moreover, the expression of empty spiracles in these precursor cells is dependent on both amos and lozenge. Functional analysis reveals two distinct roles of empty spiracles in the development of olfactory sense organs. Genetic interaction studies in a lozenge-sensitized background uncover a requirement of empty spiracles in the formation of trichoid and basiconic olfactory sensilla. MARCM-based clonal mutant analysis reveals an additional role during axonal targeting of olfactory sensory neurons to glomeruli within the antennal lobe. Our findings on empty spiracles action in olfactory sense organ development complement previous studies that demonstrate its requirement in olfactory interneurons and, taken together with studies on the murine homologs of empty spiracles, suggest that conserved molecular genetic programs might be responsible for the formation of both peripheral and central olfactory circuitry in insects and mammals.

Disruption of olfactory receptor neuron patterning in Scutoid mutant Drosophila

Olfactory neurons show an extreme diversity of cell types with each cell usually expressing one member from a large family of 60 Odorant receptor (Or) genes in Drosophila. Little is known about the developmental processes and transcription factors that generate this stereotyped pattern of cellular diversity. Here we investigate the molecular and cellular basis of defects in olfactory system function in an unusual dominant mutant, Scutoid. We show that the defects map to olfactory neurons innervating a specific morphological class of sensilla on the antenna, large basiconics. Molecular analysis indicates defects in neurons expressing specific classes of receptor genes that map to large basiconic sensilla. Previous studies have shown that in Scutoid mutants the coding region of the transcriptional repressor snail is translocated near the no-ocelli promoter, leading to misexpression of snail in the developing eye-antenna disc. We show that ectopic expression of snail in developing olfactory neurons leads to severe defects in neurons of the antennal large basiconics, supporting the model that the dominant olfactory phenotype in Scutoid is caused by misexpression of snail.

Ultra morphology of sensilla on the head and mouth parts of the earwig Anisolabis martima (Bonelli) (Dermaptera: Carcinophoridae)

The earwig Anisolabis maritima is a cosmopolitan insect with a worldwide distribution, omnivorous in feeding, eating the eggs of different insects. Recently recorded in Saudi Arabia as a beneficial predator on eggs and newly hatched larvae of the red palm weevil Rhyncophrous ferrugineus, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations revealed the presence of different kinds of receptor sensillae occurring on the head and mouth parts of A. maritime. The sensillae are the same, but differ in numbers on both sexes. The head surface bears three subtypes of trichoid sensillae, one type of ceoloconica. Labrum, labium, labial palps and maxillary palps, possess different kinds of sensillae. Three subtypes of trichoid have been identified on the labrum. The labium contained one type of tricoid and basiconic sensillae. There are great numbers and numerous sensillae cheatica differing in length distributed on the maxillary and the labial palps on all segments between other stutter spines. The last terminal segment of maxillary or labial palps bears the greatest number of the sensillae cheatica. Adult A. maritima may be introduced in the future as a beneficial predator of eggs of R. ferrugineus as a tool for integrated pest management.

Bombykol receptors in the silkworm moth and the fruit fly

Male moths are endowed with odorant receptors (ORs) to detect species-specific sex pheromones with remarkable sensitivity and selectivity. We serendipitously discovered that an endogenous OR in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is highly sensitive to the sex pheromone of the silkworm moth, bombykol. Intriguingly, the fruit fly detectors are more sensitive than the receptors of the silkworm moth, although its ecological significance is unknown. By expression in the "empty neuron" system, we identified the fruit fly bombykol-sensitive OR as DmelOR7a (= DmOR7a). The profiles of this receptor in response to bombykol in the native sensilla (ab4) or expressed in the empty neuron system (ab3 sensilla) are indistinguishable. Both WT and transgenic flies responded with high sensitivity, in a dose-dependent manner, and with rapid signal termination. In contrast, the same empty neuron expressing the moth bombykol receptor, BmorOR1, demonstrated low sensitivity and slow signal inactivation. When expressed in the trichoid sensilla T1 of the fruit fly, the neuron housing BmorOR1 responded with sensitivity comparable to that of the native trichoid sensilla in the silkworm moth. By challenging the native bombykol receptor in the fruit fly with high doses of another odorant to which the receptor responds with the highest sensitivity, we demonstrate that slow signal termination is induced by overdose of a stimulus. As opposed to the empty neuron system in the basiconic sensilla, the structural, biochemical, and/or biophysical features of the sensilla make the T1 trichoid system of the fly a better surrogate for the moth receptor.

Sex‐specific antennal sensory system in the ant Camponotus japonicus: Glomerular organizations of antennal lobes

Ants have well-developed chemosensory systems for social lives. The goal of our study is to understand the functional organization of the ant chemosensory system based on caste- and sex-specific differences. Here we describe the common and sex-specific glomerular organizations in the primary olfactory center, the antennal lobe of the carpenter ant Camponotus japonicus. Differential labeling of the two antennal nerves revealed distinct glomerular clusters innervated by seven sensory tracts (T1-T7 from ventral to dorsal) in the antennal lobe. T7 innervated 10 glomeruli, nine of which received thick axon terminals almost exclusively from the ventral antennal nerve. Coelocapitular (hygro-/thermoreceptive), coeloconic (thermoreceptive), and ampullaceal (CO2-receptive) sensilla, closely appositioned in the flagellum, housed one or three large sensory neurons supplying thick axons exclusively to the ventral antennal nerve. These axons, therefore, were thought to project into T7 glomeruli in all three castes. Workers and virgin females had about 140 T6 glomeruli, whereas males completely lacked these glomeruli. Female-specific basiconic sensilla (cuticular hydrocarbon-receptive) contained over 130 sensory neurons and were completely lacking in males' antennae. These sensory neurons may project into T6 glomeruli in the antennal lobe of workers and virgin females. Serotonin-immunopositive neurons innervated T1-T5 and T7 glomeruli but not T6 glomeruli in workers and virgin females. Because males had no equivalents to T6 glomeruli, serotonin-immunopositive neurons appeared to innervate all glomeruli in the male's antennal lobe. T6 glomeruli in workers and virgin females are therefore female-specific and may have functions related to female-specific tasks in the colony rather than sexual behaviors.

Morphology, distribution and abundance of antennal sensilla in three stink bug species (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The neotropical stink bugs, Euschistus heros, Piezodorus guildinii and Edessa meditabunda, are important pests of soybean and other crops throughout Central America and in South America from Northern Argentina to Brazil. Mate finding and host plant location in these species depend largely on their chemical communication, and semiochemicals are important mediators of these behaviors. In this study scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the external morphology, distribution and abundance of antennal sensilla on males, females and 5th instar nymphs of these species. Nine morphologically different sensilla types were found: trichod sensilla, type 1 and 2 (ST1 and ST2), long and short basiconic sensilla (SB1, SB2, and SB3), slit-tipped and knob-shaped basiconic sensilla, long chaetic sensilla (Sch) and coeloconic sensilla (Sco). Differences were detected in the abundance and arrangement of the sensilla over the antennal segments in individuals of the same species and among the species studied. The Sch, Sco and the slit-tipped and knob-shaped basiconic sensilla accounted for the major difference in sensilla types among the species. The ST1 was the most abundant type and was restricted to the flagellum. The pedicel of E. heros differs from the pedicels of P. guildinii and E. meditabunda mainly by the absence of Sch. There was a sexual dimorphism in ST1, SB1 and SB2, and this may be an indicative of their roles in detection of male-produced sex pheromone and odors derived from the host plants. The SB2 was lacking in the antennal tip of both sexes and 5th instar nymphs, but was abundant on the second flagellar segment of females of the three species. The same types of sensilla were found on 5th instar nymphs, but always in significantly lower numbers. The morphology and putative functions of each sensilla were compared and discussed.

Ultrastructure of antennal sensilla of female Ceratosolen solmsi marchali (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Agaonidae: Agaoninae)

AbstractFig-pollinating wasps are phytophagous wasps that mainly use olfaction to locate their fig (Ficus L., Moraceae) hosts. To provide a morphological framework for studying agaonid olfaction, we examined the antennal sensilla of female Ceratosolen solmsi marchali Mayr by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We identified and characterized (ultrastructure, distribution, abundance, and position) 13 types of sensilla: multiporous placoid sensilla (types 1 and 2), basiconic sensilla (types 1 and 2), basiconic capitate peg sensilla, sensilla chaetica (types 1–3), sensilla trichodea, sensilla coeloconica (types 1–3), and one specialized sensillum regarded as a sensillum obscurum. We suggest that five types are chemoreceptors because they are porous and innervated by multiple sensory neurons. Sensilla coeloconica type 1 may also function as chemoreceptors, based on external morphology. Other sensilla may be involved in mechanoreception, thermo- and (or) hygro-reception, or pressure detection. We discuss our results in relation to the lifestyle of C. solmsi marchali.

Sex-specific antennal sensory system in the ant Camponotus japonicus: structure and distribution of sensilla on the flagellum

The antennae are a critically important component of the ant's highly elaborated chemical communication systems. However, our understanding of the organization of the sensory systems on the antennae of ants, from peripheral receptors to central and output systems, is poorly understood. Consequently, we have used scanning electron and confocal laser microscopy to create virtually complete maps of the structure, numbers of sensory neurons, and distribution patterns of all types of external sensilla on the antennal flagellum of all types of colony members of the carpenter ant Camponotus japonicus. Based on the outer cuticular structures, the sensilla have been classified into seven types: coelocapitular, coeloconic, ampullaceal, basiconic, trichoid-I, trichoid-II, and chaetic sensilla. Retrograde staining of antennal nerves has enabled us to count the number of sensory neurons housed in the different types of sensilla: three in a coelocapitular sensillum, three in a coeloconic sensillum, one in an ampullaceal sensillum, over 130 in a basiconic sensillum, 50-60 in a trichoid-I sensillum, and 8-9 in a trichoid-II sensillum. The basiconic sensilla, which are cuticular hydrocarbon-receptive in the ant, are present in workers and unmated queens but absent in males. Coelocapitular sensilla (putatively hygro- and thermoreceptive) have been newly identified in this study. Coelocapitular, coeloconic, and ampullaceal sensilla form clusters and show biased distributions on flagellar segments of antennae in all colony members. The total numbers of sensilla per flagellum are about 9000 in unmated queens, 7500 in workers, and 6000 in males. This is the first report presenting comprehensive sensillar maps of antennae in ants.

Antennal sensory receptors of Pteromalus puparum female (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), a gregarious pupal endoparasitoid of Pieris rapae

The external morphology of the antennal sensilla of Pteromalus puparum females (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is described using scanning electron microscopy. The antennae of P. puparum females are geniculate in shape, formed from a large, cylindrical scape with a basal radicel fitting into the antennal socket, a shorter, barrel-shaped pedicel and a flagellum composed of 12 subsegments. Eight morphologically distinct types of sensilla were found on the female antennae. These are: nonporous sensilla trichodea types 1 and 2, which are putative mechanosensilla, nonporous sensilla chaetica, which may function as proprioceptors, uniporous sensilla trichodea types 3 and 4, which are presumably contact chemosensilla, basiconic capitate peg sensilla, which probably function in thermo-hygro reception, multiporous sensilla trichodea, and multiporous sensilla placodea which are all presumed to be olfactory sensilla.

Morphological characterization of the antennal sensilla of t he earwig Anisolabis maritima (Dermaptera: Carcinophoridae) with reference to their probable functions

The earwig, Anisolabis maritima (Dermaptera: Carcinophoridae), is one of the most significant insects in KSA because, it was recorded in Saudi Arabia as a beneficial predator on eggs and newly hatched larvae of the red palm weevil, Rhyncophorus ferrugineus. We examined the external morphology of the antennal sensilla of males and females of A. maritima using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The filiform antennae of A. maritima were of the conventional type comprising a basal scape, pedicle and a long, thread-like flagellum, which was composed of 12 flagellomeres of males and 16 flagellomeres of females. Six morphologically unique sensillar types were found and described on the antennae of males and females of A. maritima. Of those identified, there were three types of porous trichoid sensilla (long, curved and arcuate), and two types of basiconic sensilla (short and curved), and one type of aporous trichoid sensilla. The shape, external morphology and array of sensilla on the antennae of males and females of A. maritima were similar.

Two Interacting Olfactory Transduction Mechanisms Have Linked Polarities and Dynamics inDrosophila melanogasterAntennal Basiconic Sensilla Neurons

We measured frequency response functions between concentrations of fruit odorants and individual action potentials in large basiconic sensilla of the Drosophila melanogaster antenna. A new method of randomly varying odorant concentration was combined with rapid, continuous measurement of concentration at the antenna by a miniature photoionization detector. All frequency responses decreased progressively at frequencies approaching 100 Hz, providing an upper limit for the dynamics of Drosophila olfaction. We found two distinct response patterns: excitatory band-pass frequency responses were seen with ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, and hexanol, whereas inhibitory low-pass responses were seen with methyl salicylate and phenylethyl acetate. Band-pass responses peaked at 1-10 Hz. Frequency responses could be well fitted by simple linear filter equations, and the fitted parameters were consistent within each of the two types of responses. Experiments with equal mixtures of excitatory and inhibitory odorants gave responses that were characteristic of the inhibitory components, indicating that interaction during transduction causes inhibitory odorants to suppress the responses to excitatory odorants. Plots of response amplitude versus odorant concentration indicated that the odorant concentrations used were within approximately linear regions of the dose response relationships. We also estimated linear information capacity from the coherence function of each recording. Although coherence was relatively high, indicating a large signal-to-noise ratio, information capacity for olfaction was much lower than comparable estimates for mechanotransduction or visual transduction because of the limited bandwidth of olfaction. These data offer new insights into transduction by primary chemoreceptors and place temporal constraints on Drosophila olfactory behavior.

Antennal Sensilla of Anastrepha serpentina (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract The antennal sensilla of Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) adults were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. Both sexes have the same form and number of antennal segments. The scape and the pedicel are covered entirely by microtrichia. In the distal part of both segments, a series of longitudinally striated hairs was observed, originating in a flexible socket and ending in a pointed tip. Six types of sensilla were observed in the funiculus: 1) thick-walled multiporous pitted sensilla subtype I and subtype II, 2) thin-walled multiporous pitted sensilla long subtype I and medium length subtype II, 3) basiconic sensilla, 4) multiporous grooved sensilla, 5) clavate sensilla, and 6) an olfactory pit with two small conical and striated sensilla inside. Furthermore, there is a large quantity of microtrichia surrounding the entire funiculus. In the proximal dorso-lateral region of the funiculus, there are trichoid aristae composed of two short segments and one large segment, which have fixed base bristles or tactile hairs without membranes.

Antennal sensillae of five stored-product psocids pests (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae)

Psocids are important pests of stored-products. In this study, the external morphology, types, and distribution of antennal sensillae in both male and female adults of five psocid species, Liposcelis bostrychophila, L. entomophila, L. tricolor, L. decolor, and L. paeta (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) using scanning electron microscopy. The filiform antennae of the liposcelids are made up of the scape, pedicel, and a long flagellum composed of thirteen flagellomeres. Four morphological types of sensillae are recorded in both male and female species, including Böhm bristles, chaetal sensillae, microtrichial sensillae, and basiconic sensillae. The abundance and distribution of four of these sensilla types on the antennae of male and female are not significantly different in the five psocids species studied. In addition, the possible functions of the above sensilla types are discussed in light of previously published literature; mechanoreception (Böhm bristles and microtrichial sensillae) and olfaction (chaetal and basiconic sensillae). Future functional antennal morphology and electrophysiological studies are needed to confirm these proposed functions.

Fine Structure and Distribution Pattern of Antennal Sensilla of <I>Lutzomyia longipalpis</I> (Diptera: Psychodidae) Sand Flies

The specific aims of this work were to examine the antennal sensilla of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae) adults and to characterize their typology and topography, with special attention to olfactory sensilla. The surfaces of the antennal segments of Lu. longipalpis males and females were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Lu. longipalpis used in the current study were obtained from a colony originating from Lapinha Cave, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Microtrichiae and 11 subtypes of sensilla were observed and characterized according to the following categories: five subtypes of trichoid sensilla (short, medium, long blunt-tipped, long pointed-tipped, and apical), two coeloconic sensilla (grooved and praying hands), and campaniform, chaetic, basiconic, and squamiform sensilla. SEM analyses showed few differences between males and females in the typology, topography, and quantity of antennal sensilla described. The current study is the first to identify several categories of antennal sensilla of the genus Lutzomyia and their distribution patterns. The identification of these sensillar types may be important in planning future electrophysiological studies to develop alternative measures of control and monitoring of Lu. longipalpis.