Distribution and functional morphology of photomechanic infrared sensilla in flat bugs of the genus Aradus (Heteroptera, Aradidae)

摘要

Globally the flat bug genus Aradus comprises about 200 species. About half a dozen Aradus species can be primarily found on burnt areas and, therefore, have been called pyrophilous. Bugs and their offspring feed on fungi growing on burnt wood. Recently, prothoracic infrared (IR) receptors have been described in the pyrophilous Australian species Aradus albicornis. In our study we investigated 10 Aradus species, once again including A. albicornis, and found prothoracic as well as hitherto unknown mesothoracic IR sensilla in A. albicornis, Aradus lugubris and Aradus fuscicornis. In Aradus flavicornis only prothoracic IR receptors were found. Currently the latter two species are not known as pyrophilous. However, there is considerable evidence that these flat bugs also approach forest fires.