Morphology and fine structure of the chemoreceptor sensilla of the antennae and maxillary palps of the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zell. larvae (Lepidoptera, Phycitidae).

摘要

The distribution, external morphology and ultrastructure of various types of sensilla on the antennae and maxillary palps of flour moth (E. kuehniella) larvae are described based on scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Antennal sensilla belonged to 3 basic morphological types: sensilla basiconica with 2 subtypes, sensilla chaetica, and sensilla styloconica. The receptory apparatus of the antennae is situated on the apices of the 2nd and 3rd segments, and comprises 1 short sensillum basiconicum, 3 long sensilla basiconica, 1 sensillum trichoideum, 2 long and 2 short tactile sensilla. Two long sensilla basiconica on the 2nd antennal segment have many pores in the cuticular part and a great number of dendritic branches. Sensilla styloconica on the 3rd segment have long distal part and perform multimodal reception. Two sensilla styloconica and 1 sensillum trichoideum are present on the galea of the maxilla. The sensory apparatus of the maxillary palps is composed of 8 sensilla basiconica on the apical area and 1 finger-shaped sensillum with 2 sensory cells on the lateral surface of the 3rd segment. The number and fine structure of the sensilla remain constant through the larval stages. The possible functions of these sensilla are described.