Sensilla Campaniformia Research Articles

Fine structure of the larval labrum of the cave coleopteran Speophyes lucidulus delarouzeei (Coleoptera, Catopidae)

The sensorial equipment of the labrum consists of mechanical receptors with simple innervation (sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica and sensilla campaniformia) and sensory pores innerved by one or several neurons the functions of which are probably gustatory.

Antennal sense organs of female Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae).

The types, numbers, and distribution of antennal sense organs of female Culex tarsalis Coquillett are reported. There are about 1025 sense organs on the flagellum which are classified as 2 types of sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, 3 types of sensilla trichodea, and sensilla campaniformia. Except for the first few basal segments, the pointed-tipped sensilla trichodea are fairly evenly distributed on the flagellum. The number of type I blunttipped sensilla trichodea decrease distally while the sensilla basiconica increases. Type II blunt-tipped sensilla trichodea occur 1 per segment. Electron micrographs show a light tip on the sensilla basiconica indicating a decrease in thickness of the cuticle. A central canal in the basiconica is visible with the light microscope. Using the crystal violet staining technique for detecting permeable sense organs, it was found that the sensilla basiconica took up the stain as well as the type I blunt-tipped sensilla trichodea.

THE SENSORY ORGANS OF THE MOSQUITO ANTENNA

Using Aedes aegypti (L.) as the chief example, an account of the adult mosquito antenna, male and female, is given, and the different types of setae found thereon are described. Two of these, called types A1 and A3, are, respectively, sensilla trichoidea and sensilla basiconica; they are located chiefly at the distal end of the antenna and diminish in numbers towards its base. Type A2 setae are also sensilla trichoidea, but are smaller than type A1; they are most numerous at the base of the antenna and diminish in numbers towards the distal end. The total number of these three types is over 600 on each antenna in A. aegypti. At the tip of the antenna there are two sensilla campaniformia. Another type of seta, called A4, consisting of sensilla coeloconica, has been found so far only on the antenna of Anopheles spp. There are also two types of sensilla chaetica, making altogether seven different kinds of setae found on the mosquito antenna. Experiments with A. aegypti indicate that type A1 setae may mediate attractive odors such as that of the human hand, while type A2 setae may mediate repellent odors such as that of "612". The possible functions of the other setae are briefly considered.