Fine structure and primary sensory projections of sensilla located in the labial-palp pit organ of Helicoverpa armigera (Insecta)

The fine structure and primary sensory projections of sensilla located in the labial-palp pit organ of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Insecta, Lepidoptera) are investigated by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The pit organ located on the third segment of the labial palp is about 300 μm deep with a 60-μm-wide opening, each structure containing about 1200 sensilla. Two sensillum types have been found, namely hair-shaped and club-shaped sensilla, located on the upper and lower half of the pit, respectively. Most sensilla possess a single dendrite. The dendrite housed by the club-shaped sensilla is often split into several branches or becomes lamellated in the outer segment. As reported previously, the sensory axons of the sensilla in the labial pit organ form a bundle entering the ipsilateral side of the subesophageal ganglion via the labial palp nerve and project to three distinct areas: the labial pit organ glomerulus in each antennal lobe, the subesophageal ganglion and the ventral nerve cord. In the antennal lobe, the labial pit organ glomerulus is innervated by sensory axons from the labial pit organ only; no antennal afferents target this unit. One neuron has been found extending fine processes into the subesophageal ganglion and innervating the labial palp via one branch passing at the base of the labial palp nerve. The soma of this assumed motor neuron is located in the ipsilateral cell body layer of the subesophageal ganglion. Our results provide valuable knowledge concerning the neural circuit encoding information about carbon dioxide and should stimulate further investigations directed at controlling pest species such as H. armigera.

Comparative study of antennal and maxillary palp olfactory sensilla of female biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) in the context of host preference and phylogeny

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of disease, including bluetongue and African horse sickness. Host preference of these insects is primarily regulated by olfactory cues, detected by olfactory sensilla on the antennae and maxillary palps. In this study, we analyzed the sensillum repertoire of biting midge species with known host preferences. Five different morphological sensillum types, sensilla trichodea, s. chaetica, s. ampullacea, s. coeloconica, and grooved peg sensilla, were present on the antennae of all species. In addition sensilla basiconica were present on the maxillary palps. We found that the numbers of short blunt-tipped s. trichodea, s. coeloconica, and s. basiconica are significantly higher in the ornithophilic Culicoides festivipennis (Kieffer) compared with the mammalophilic Culicoides obsoletus (Meigen) and Culicoides chiopterus (Meigen). In contrast, we found that the mammalophilic Culicoides pulicaris (L.) and the opportunistic Culicoides punctatus (Meigen) have intermediate numbers of these sensillum types. Comparison with available data from other species strongly suggests that these differences in the number of specific sensillum types, in general, are a reflection of host preference and not of phylogeny. We discuss the putative function of the individual sensillum types in relation to host volatile detection.

Study on cheliceral sensilla of the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) involved in taste perception of phagostimulants

Phagostimulants are chemical compounds that stimulate feeding. Some tick species are known to have pores in their inner cheliceral digits, called pit sensillum (ps), which are involved in taste perception. This study investigated the existence of ps in chelicerae of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their involvement in the perception of phagostimulatory substances, such as the salts potassium chloride and sodium chloride (KCl and NaCl), sugars (glucose, sucrose and fructose), purines (guanine and hypoxanthine), the nucleotide adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the tripeptide reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as their combinations at different concentrations. By means of scanning electron microscopy, a ps was observed at the expected location. Using a single-sensillum recording technique, strong activity by R. sanguineus cheliceral sensilla in response to glucose, ATP, GSH and high concentrations of salts was recorded. The responses to ATP and to KCl at 1M were multicellular, while the responses to the other stimulant compounds were monocellular. Glucose and GSH stimulated different neurons. The taste response of R. sanguineus chelicerae seemed to be selective, given that substances that were not expected to participate in this tick's biology were not perceived.

Molecular identification and characterization of the Orco orthologue of Spodoptera litura

A highly conserved and broadly expressed receptor protein Orco (olfactory coreceptor) is crucial for insect olfaction, and an orthologue of Orco has been identified in several insect species. Here we report the identification and characterization of Orco from Spodoptera litura. The protein displays high primary amino acid sequence conservation with other previously identified Orco orthologues. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that it has common features with other members of the Orco subfamily: seven-transmembrane domains with intracellular N-terminus and extracellular C-terminus. The transcript was detected in abundance in the chemosensory organs of the antennae of both male and female adults by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, and was localized at the bases of all categories of olfactory sensilla through in situ hybridization.

Sex pheromone recognition and immunolocalization of three pheromone binding proteins in the black cutworm moth Agrotis ipsilon

Insect pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) are believed to solubilize and transport hydrophobic sex pheromones across sensillum lymph to membrane-associated pheromone receptors. To address the molecular mechanisms of PBPs in insect pheromone perception, we undertook a systemic study on the PBPs of the black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon at transcript as well as protein level from tissue distribution and cellular localization to pheromone binding affinity. We cloned three full-length PBP genes AipsPBP1-3 from A. ipsilon antennae, and demonstrated that AipsPBP1-3 transcripts were highly expressed in male antennae. The electron microscopic examinations revealed at least six types of olfactory sensilla on male and female antenna: trichodea, chaetica, basiconica, coeloconica, squamiformia and Böhm bristles. The immunocytochemistry results demonstrated that AipsPBP1-3 proteins were strongly expressed in the sensillum lymph of the trichoid sensilla of male moth. The binding assays showed that AipsPBP1 had high binding affinities with the major sex pheromone components Z7-12:Ac and Z9-14:Ac among five related chemicals and was clustered together with the long trichoid sensilla-expressing LdisPBPs of Lymantria dispar. AipsPBP2 showed high binding affinities also with Z11-16:Ac. AipsPBP3 displayed a high affinity only with Z11-16:Ac. Our studies provide further detail evidences for the involvement of moth PBPs in pheromone discrimination and selective recognition of specific components of the female sex pheromone blends.

Built to break: the antenna of a primitive insect, Petrobius brevistylis (Archaeognatha)

Jumping bristletails (Archaeognatha) have flagellate antennae with frequent breakpoints, structures destined to break when undue mechanical stress is applied. In natural populations of Petrobius brevistylis at least 67% of animals had broken antennae. In twenty-four trials, all antennae broke at a breakpoint under the animal's weight. Breakpoints consist of two cylinders of laminated cuticle, one stuck inside the other. For half the length of the breakpoint the cylinders are separated by a non-laminated layer of cuticle; thus a tripartite cuticle is formed. During a breakage, the two cylinders slide apart along that non-laminated middle layer that seems to act like a lubricant. While the cylinders pull apart, a thin cuticle unfolds that closes off the new tip of the antenna formed by the outer breakpoint cylinder. Later on, the cylinder is not replaced by a new terminal antennomere. Instead, the antennomere directly proximal to a breakpoint, i.e. the one that after the break forms the last antennomere, already possess the same complement of sensilla as the original terminal antennomere. This includes sensilla basiconica Type A and B found exclusively on these antennomeres and the original terminal antennomere. Breakpoints are common to Archaeognatha and Thysanura, insects that moult throughout their lifetime.

The gustatory sensilla on the endophytic ovipositor of Odonata

The present paper aims at describing the fine structure of coeloconic sensilla located on the cutting valves of the endophytic ovipositor of two Odonata species, the anisopteran Aeshna cyanea (Aeshnidae) and the zygopteran Ischnura elegans (Coenagrionidae), by carrying out parallel investigations under SEM and TEM. In both species these coeloconic sensilla are innervated by four unbranched neurons forming four outer dendritic segments enveloped by the dendrite sheath. One dendrite terminates at the base of the peg forming a well developed tubular body, while the other three enter the peg after interruption of the dendrite sheath. The cuticle of the peg shows an apical pore and a joint membrane. This last feature, together with the tubular body and the suspension fibers, represent the mechanosensory components of the sensillum while the pore and the dendrites entering the peg allow chemoreception. The ultrastructural organization of these coeloconic sensilla is in agreement with the one reported for insect gustatory sensilla. Our investigation describes for the first time typical insect gustatory sensilla in Odonata. Electrophysiological and behavioral studies are needed to verify the role that these structures can perform in sensing the egg-laying substrata.

First description of polytene chromosomes in biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Polytene chromosomes are described from secretory cells in larvae of Forcipomyia nigra (Winnertz). They are present in large glandular-trichogen cells at the bases of secretory setae and in midgut cells that were observed by transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy. Polytene chromosomes, isolated from the glandular-trichogen cells using aceto-orcein squash technique, measure 50-200 microm, have braid-like strands of chromatin and no bands, features that are unique within the Culicomorpha.

Type and distribution of sensilla in the antennae of the red clover root borer, Hylastinus obscurus

In order to determine the type, distribution, and structures of sensilla, the antennae of the red clover root borer, Hylastinus obscurus Marsham (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), were examined by light and electron microscopy (both scanning and transmission). Four different types of sensilla were identified in the club, and one type of chaetica was found in the scape and funicle of both male and female individuals. Chaetica and basiconica were the most abundant sensilla types in the club. They were present in the three sensory bands described, totaling approximately 80% of sensilla in the antennal club of H. obscurus. Chaetica were predominantly mechanoreceptors, although gustatory function could not be excluded. Basiconica forms showed characteristics typical of olfactory sensilla. Trichoidea were not found in the proximal sensory band, and they exhibited abundant pores, suggesting olfactory function. Styloconica were the least abundant sensillum type, and their shape was similar to that reported as having hygro- and thermoreceptor functions. There was no difference in the relative abundance of antennal sensilla between males and females. Finally, the sensillar configuration and abundance of receptors in the H. obscurus antennae suggest that these sensilla have chemoreceptive and other functions.

Characterization of olfactory sensory neurons in the white clover seed weevil, Apion fulvipes (Coleoptera: Apionidae)

Seed-eating Apion weevils (Coleoptera: Apionidae) cause large economic losses in white and red clover seed production across Europe. Monitoring and control of clover weevils would be facilitated by semiochemical-based methods. Until now, however, nothing was known about physiological or behavioral responses to semiochemicals in this insect group. Here we analyzed the antenna of the white clover (Trifolium repens L.) specialist Apion fulvipes Geoffroy with scanning electron microscopy, and used single sensillum recordings with a set of 28 host compounds to characterize 18 classes of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Nine of the OSN classes responded strongly to synthetic compounds with high abundance in clover leaves, flowers, or buds. Eight classes responded only weakly to the synthetic stimuli, whereas one collective class responded exclusively to volatiles released from a crushed clover leaf. The OSNs showed a remarkable degree of specificity, responding to only one or a few chemically related compounds. In addition, we recorded a marked difference in the temporal dynamics of responses between different neurons, compounds, and doses. The identified physiologically active compounds will be screened for behavioral activity, with the ultimate goal to develop an odor-based control strategy for this pest.

Composition and antimicrobial activity of fatty acids detected in the hygroscopic secretion collected from the secretory setae of larvae of the biting midge Forcipomyia nigra (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

The hygroscopic secretion produced by the secretory setae of terrestrial larvae of the biting midge Forcipomyia nigra (Winnertz) was analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The viscous secretion is stored at the top of each seta and absorbs water from moist air. GC-MS analyses (four independent tests) showed that the secretion contained 12 free fatty acids, the most abundant of which were oleic (18:1), palmitic (16:0), palmitoleic (16:1) and linoleic (18:2). Other acids identified were valeric (5:0), enanthic (7:0), caprylic (8:0), pelargonic (9:0), capric (10:0), lauric (12:0), myristic (14:0) and stearic (18:0). Two other compounds, glycerol and pyroglutamic acid, were also found. The antibacterial activity of the fatty acids and pyroglutamic acid was tested using the agar disc diffusion method and targeted Gram positive (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram negative bacterial strains (Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens). The antifungal activity was tested by determining minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of examined compounds. Fatty acids were tested against enthomopathogenic fungi (Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana (Tve-N39), Beauveria bassiana (Dv-1/07)). The most effective acids against bacterial and fungal growth were C(9:0), C(10:0) and C(16:1), whereas C(14:0), C(16:0,) C(18:0) and C(18:1) demonstrated rather poor antifungal activity and did not inhibit the growth of bacteria. The antimicrobial assay investigated mixtures of fatty and pyroglutamic acids (corresponding to the results of each GC-MS test): they were found to be active against almost all the bacteria except P. fluorescens and also demonstrated certain fungistatic activity against enthomopathogenic fungi. The hygroscopic secretion facilitates cuticular respiration and plays an important role in the antimicrobial protection of F. nigra larvae living in moist terrestrial habitats.

[Sense organs on palps and fore tarsi of gamasid mites (Parasitiformes, Rhinonyssidae), parasites of the nasal cavity of the great tit, the rock dove, and the Eurasian coot]

The main sensory organs (the palpal organ and the tarsal sensory complex) were examined by scanning electron microscopy method in parasites of the nasal cavity of the great tit Parus major (Ptilonyssus sairae, Ptilonyssus pari), the rock dove Columba livia (Mesonyssus melloi), and the Eurasian coot Fulica atra (Rallinyssus caudistigmus). It was shown that differences in the topography of sensilla within the tarsal complex correspond to the taxonomic relations between species and genera, whereas differences in the structure of the palpal organ are not associated with the taxonomy and, probably, reflect ecological peculiarities of parasitism.

Sensilla on the antennal funiculus of the horse stomach bot fly, Gasterophilus nigricornis

Gasterophilus nigricornis (Loew) (Diptera: Oestridae) is one of the most damaging obligate parasites of equids in Kalamaili, Xinjiang, China. The main olfactory organs of this stomach bot fly are paired antennae that bear microscopic sensillar structures. The external morphology of the antennal funiculus and sensilla of male G. nigricornis were studied using stereopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A cross-sectional view of the funiculus shows it to be triangular, with an anterodorsal surface, a dorsolateral margin and a posteroventral surface. Almost the entire surface of the funiculus is densely covered with microtrichiae. Small patches lacking these microtrichiae appear as depressions or pits in the surface of the funiculus. Six distinct types of sensilla are recorded, including one trichoid, three basiconic, one auriculate and one clavate sensilla. Trichoid sensilla are the most abundant, followed by the basiconic, auriculate and clavate types in descending order. Only auriculate sensilla are found in pits on the funiculus. Distributions of different sensilla types located on the antennal funiculus are provided. These results are compared with equivalent findings in several other fly species. In addition, the possible functions of the various sensilla types are discussed.

Sensing the underground--ultrastructure and function of sensory organs in root-feeding Melolontha melolontha (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) larvae

INTRODUCTION

Below ground orientation in insects relies mainly on olfaction and taste. The economic impact of plant root feeding scarab beetle larvae gave rise to numerous phylogenetic and ecological studies. Detailed knowledge of the sensory capacities of these larvae is nevertheless lacking. Here, we present an atlas of the sensory organs on larval head appendages of Melolontha melolontha. Our ultrastructural and electrophysiological investigations allow annotation of functions to various sensory structures.

RESULTS

Three out of 17 ascertained sensillum types have olfactory, and 7 gustatory function. These sensillum types are unevenly distributed between antennae and palps. The most prominent chemosensory organs are antennal pore plates that in total are innervated by approximately one thousand olfactory sensory neurons grouped into functional units of three-to-four. In contrast, only two olfactory sensory neurons innervate one sensillum basiconicum on each of the palps. Gustatory sensilla chaetica dominate the apices of all head appendages, while only the palps bear thermo-/hygroreceptors. Electrophysiological responses to CO(2), an attractant for many root feeders, are exclusively observed in the antennae. Out of 54 relevant volatile compounds, various alcohols, acids, amines, esters, aldehydes, ketones and monoterpenes elicit responses in antennae and palps. All head appendages are characterized by distinct olfactory response profiles that are even enantiomer specific for some compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemosensory capacities in M. melolontha larvae are as highly developed as in many adult insects. We interpret the functional sensory units underneath the antennal pore plates as cryptic sensilla placodea and suggest that these perceive a broad range of secondary plant metabolites together with CO(2). Responses to olfactory stimulation of the labial and maxillary palps indicate that typical contact chemo-sensilla have a dual gustatory and olfactory function.

Chorioptes mites: re-evaluation of species integrity

Chorioptes mites (Acari: Psoroptidae) are non-burrowing agents of mange which parasitize a wide range of domesticated and wild ungulates. Considerable historical confusion has surrounded the description and naming of the various species of Chorioptes. Here, the opisthosomal setae of male adult Chorioptes mites from a range of host species and geographic locations were subjected to detailed analysis. Discriminant analysis suggests the existence of three clear morphotypes. The first, Chorioptes bovis, is characterized by a very long seta 1 (ae) and short spatulate setae 2 (l4 and d5), whereas, in the second, Chorioptes texanus, setae 2 (l4 and d5) are longer and narrower than in C. bovis, but most of the other setae are shorter; this is particularly true for seta 1 (ae). A third morphotype is characterized by a seta 1 (ae) that is shorter than in C. bovis but longer than in C. texanus, long setae 2 (l4 and d5) and a long seta 6 (l5). The data are compared with previously published measurements. Although this analysis supports the validity of C. bovis and C. texanus as morphologically distinct, it also supports the existence of a proposed third species of Chorioptes, as described by Hestvik et al. in 2007, and suggests that the mites described by Sweatman in his classic 1958 description of C. texanus, which were obtained from the ears of semi-domesticated reindeer, are likely to have been specimens of this as yet unnamed species. The results show that there is a high degree of phenotypic plasticity in setal lengths. It is concluded that a statistical difference in the absolute measurement of any one seta is not a reliable species indicator; the relative sizes of groups of setae would appear to be more taxonomically informative and should be used when identifying Chorioptes morphologically.

Flagellar sensilla of the eusocial gall-inducing thrips Kladothrips intermedius and its kleptoparasite, Koptothrips dyskritus (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripinae)

Insect antennal flagella host a multitude of sensory organs fulfilling different functions. Chemoreception, for example, is essential for insects in many contexts. Both olfaction and contact chemoreception are involved in host-plant selection, as well as in the integrity of insect societies, especially for nestmate recognition. Kladothrips intermedius is a eusocial gall-inducing thrips with two castes: dispersers and soldiers. Koptothrips dyskritus is a specialist in invading Kl. intermedius galls, killing the occupants, and thereby gaining the food and shelter offered by galls. In this study, we compared the morphology and ultrastructure of the flagellar sensilla of Kl. intermedius and Ko. dyskritus via scanning and transmission electron microscopy in order to facilitate future investigations of their sensory ecology, with an emphasis on chemical ecology. The two species show a very similar sensillar array. There are a few mechanosensory trichoid and a second type of mechanosensory sensilla, thermo-hygroreceptive sensilla, olfactory single-walled basiconic and double-walled coeloconic sensilla as well as contact chemoreceptive chaetic sensilla. The latter are sexually dimorphic in Kl. intermedius. Dispersers and soldiers of Kl. intermedius do not present noteworthy morphological differences, but the ultrastructural investigations revealed that soldiers have fewer ORNs, possibly an adaptation to their gall-cloistered lifestyle.

Morphology and histology of secretory setae in terrestrial larvae of biting midges of the genus Forcipomyia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Apneustic larvae of the genus Forcipomyia possess unique secretory setae located on the dorsal surface along the body in two rows, one pair on each thoracic and abdominal segment and two pairs on the head. Morphological and histological studies of secretory setae in fourth instar larvae of Forcipomyia nigra (Winnertz) and Forcipomyia nigrans Remm indicate they are modified mechanoreceptors (sensilla trichodea) in which the trichogen cell is a glandular cell producing a hygroscopic secretion. The cytoplasm of the glandular trichogen cell fills the lumen of a secretory seta, which shows one or more pores on the apex. The cytoplasm contains numerous microtubules responsible for transportation of proteinaceous vesicles, and an extremely large polyploid nucleus typical of gland cells. The main role of the hygroscopic secretion is to moist the body and thus facilitate cuticular respiration.

[Structure and localization of sensilla on antennas of caddisflies (insecta: trichoptera)]

The structures of antennal segments and ultrastructures of antennal sensilla were studied in representatives of 28 families of caddisflies from both extant suborders by the methods of light and scanning electron microscopy. Sixteen types of the sensilla have been found to occur on the antenna in Trichoptera; some of them were found for the first time. Morphological characters of the cuticular structures on the antennal surface demonstrate the significant structural differences both in various families and in the lower taxonomy levels. Specialized sensory fields differing structurally from the rest of the flagellomer surface have been found on the antennas in the suborder Phryganeina. A modified classification of sensilla based on the cuticular structures is proposed.

Effects of humidity on the mechanical properties of gecko setae

We tested the hypothesis that an increase in relative humidity (RH) causes changes in the mechanical properties of the keratin of adhesive gecko foot hairs (setae). We measured the effect of RH on the tensile deformation properties, fracture, and dynamic mechanical response of single isolated tokay gecko setae and strips of the smooth lamellar epidermal layer. The mechanical properties of gecko setae were strongly affected by RH. The complex elastic modulus (measured at 5 Hz) of a single seta at 80% RH was 1.2 GPa, only 39% of the value when dry. An increase in RH reduced the stiffness and increased the strain to failure. The loss tangent increased significantly with humidity, suggesting that water absorption produces a transition to a more viscous type of deformation. The influence of RH on the properties of the smooth epidermal layer was comparable with that of isolated seta, with the exception of stress at rupture. These values were two to four times greater for the setae than for the smooth layer. The changes in mechanical properties of setal keratin were consistent with previously reported increases in contact forces, supporting the hypothesis that an increase in RH softens setal keratin, which increases adhesion and friction.

Fine structure of the sensilla and immunolocalisation of odorant binding proteins in the cerci of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria

Using light and electron microscopy (both scanning and transmission), we observed the presence of sensilla chaetica and hairs on the cerci of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria L. (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Based on their fine structures, three types of sensilla chaetica were identified: long, medium, and short. Males presented significantly more numbers of medium and short sensilla chaetica than females (p<0.05). The other hairs can also be distinguished as long and short. Sensilla chaetica were mainly located on the distal parts of the cerci, while hairs were mostly found on the proximal parts. Several dendritic branches, enveloped by a dendritic sheath, are present in the lymph cavity of the sensilla chaetica. Long, medium, and short sensilla chaetica contain five, four and three dendrites, respectively. In contrast, no dendritic structure was observed in the cavity of the hairs. By immunocytochemistry experiments only odorant-binding protein 2 from L. migratoria (LmigOBP2) and chemosensory protein class I from the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forsskål (SgreCSPI) strongly stained the outer lymph of sensilla chaetica of the cerci. The other two types of hairs were never labeled. The results indicate that the cerci might be involved in contact chemoreception processes.

Antennal morphology and sensilla ultrastructure of Dendroctonus valens LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Seolytinae), an invasive forest pest in China

Dendroctonus valens LeConte, an invasive forest pest, is highly dependent on its olfactory system for activities such as host seeking, mating, oviposition and population aggregation. The antennae are the primary olfactory organs in bark beetles. We describe four morphological types of sensilla on the antenna of D. valens: (1) 3 subtypes of sensilla trichodea located at the apex and lateral surface of the club. Sensilla trichodea types 1 and 3 were innervated by 5 and 13 dendrites, respectively. Sensilla trichode type 2 was not found dendrites in a lumen, (2) sensilla chaetica found on the scape and funicle and innervated by 7 dendrites, (3) a pair of sensilla basiconica distributed primarily on the three sensory bands, each innervated by 2 dendrites at the base, and (4) one fluted cone type of grooved peg dispersed throughout the sensory bands. The possible functions of these sensilla are discussed in relation to their morphology and ultrastructure.

Experimental determination of the efficiency of nanostructuring on non-wetting legs of the water strider

Water striders demonstrate an amazing talent which enables them to effectively "row" across water surfaces without immobilization. This ability has previously been ascribed to the wax-like chemistry of the small hairs (setae) found on the legs, and theoretically attributed to the nano/microscaled hierarchical architecture of individual seta using the Cassie-Baxter equations. Here we show experimentally the strength of the contribution of the seta surface architecture to superhydrophobicity by maintaining identical surface chemistry (thin and thick coating of the setae with polydimethylsiloxane). Atomic force microscopy-based force and adhesion measurements of single uncoated and coated seta interacting with water quantitatively demonstrate the efficiency of the topographical component of the setae for repelling water.

To be or not to be… a vampire: a matter of sensillum numbers in Calyptra thalictri?

The mechanisms by which blood feeding in insects has evolved are unclear, primarily because there has been no access to species in which there is a mixture of same-sex blood feeding and non-blood feeding individuals. The discovery of a subset of male Calyptra thalictri (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Calpini) that blood feed under constrained experimental conditions, while the majority of these males do not, provides a unique opportunity to investigate members of the same species for potential root mechanisms leading to the ability to blood feed. Previously, C. thalictri populations revealed no morphological differences in the classical structures used for species identification in individuals that took a blood meal compared with those that did not. We report a description of the antennal sensilla and their distribution in male C. thalictri and describe an antennal sensillum distribution dimorphism between individuals that took a blood meal under constrained experimental conditions and those that did not. The number of olfactory sensilla, primarily sensilla coeloconica but also sensilla auricillica, is reduced in C. thalictri males that took a blood meal compared with those that did not. The selectivity of sensilla coeloconica olfactory sensory neurons was investigated. The sensilla coeloconica demonstrated sensitivity to fifteen vertebrate-related volatiles, including ammonia. We propose that the reduction in olfactory sensilla sensitive to vertebrate-related compounds may be correlated to an increase in the likelihood of a male C. thalictri to take a blood meal.

Morphological and developmental analysis of peripheral antennal chemosensory sensilla and central olfactory glomeruli in worker castes of Camponotus compressus (Fabricius, 1787)

The antennal lobes of different castes of the ant species Camponotus compressus show a marked diversity in the organization of their olfactory glomeruli. Notably, there is a significant difference in the number and size of glomeruli between the reproductives and the workers and among the different worker castes. In this report, we investigate the notion that these caste-specific differences in glomerular number might be accounted for, at least in part, by the differences in numbers of olfactory sensilla that target the antennal lobe. For this, we examine the number of sensilla on the antennal flagella of all the individual castes of C. compressus. This analysis reveals a striking correlation between sensillar number and the number of antennal glomeruli in a given caste. As a first step in investigating the causal mechanisms that might give raise to this correlation, we carry out an initial characterization of olfactory system development in the minor workers of C. compressus. We analyze the temporal pattern of innervations of the developing antennal lobe by olfactory sensory neuron axons. We document the development of the olfactory glomeruli in the antennal lobe during this process, which occurs during early pupal stages. Our findings provide the basis for future manipulative developmental studies on the role of sensory afferent number in glomerular development of different castes within the same species.