1
|
An Z, Li X, Wang Q, Xu W, Zhang D. Sensillar Ultrastructure of the Antennae and Maxillary Palps of the Warble Fly Oestromyia leporina (Pallas, 1778) (Diptera: Oestridae). INSECTS 2024; 15:574. [PMID: 39194779 DOI: 10.3390/insects15080574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Despite the development of molecular techniques, morphological phylogeny still remains integral in underpinning the relationship between some clades of Calyptratae, especially the ones with fast radiation, such as those in Oestridae (Diptera: Brachycera), yet few synapomorphy has been proposed for adults in this family. Using scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the morphological structure and ultrastructure of the antennae and maxillary palps of adult Oestromyia leporina (Hypodermatinae, Oestridae). One type of trichoid sensillum (Tr), three types of basiconic sensilla (Ba I, Ba II, and Ba III), one type of coeloconic sensillum (Co I), and one type of clavate sensillum (Cl) were found on the antennal postpedicel. Surprisingly, this species has the most complex types of sensilla on the maxillary palps that have been reported in Calyptratae so far, with two types of coeloconic sensilla (Co II and Co III) and two types of mechanoreceptors. We then identified three common characteristics on the arista of Oestridae (Hypodermatinae, Oestrinae, Gasterophilinae and Cuterebrinae) that are potential synapomorphies. These characteristics indicate the value of the morphology of maxillary palps and aristae in taxonomy studies of Calyptratae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuowei An
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- The College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qike Wang
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Wentian Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nihei SS, Liu G, Wang Q, Liu X, Li X, Pang X, Alvarez-Garcia D, Zhang D. Comparative morphology of antennal ultrastructure in Tachinidae parasitoid flies (Diptera): The phylogenetic importance of antennal sensilla. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 71:101202. [PMID: 36037740 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2022.101202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tachinidae are one of the most diverse clades of Diptera. All tachinids are parasitoids of insects and other arthropods, and thus are considered an important source of biological pest control. Antennae are the most important olfactory organs of Tachinidae playing key roles in their lives, especially in locating hosts, and details of antennal ultrastructure could provide useful features for phylogenetic studies and understanding their adaptive evolution. Despite the ecological and evolutionary importance of antennae, the current knowledge of antennal ultrastructure is scarce for Tachinidae. Our study examined antennal sensilla of thirteen species belonging to thirteen genera within eleven tribes of all the four subfamilies (Phasiinae, Dexiinae, Tachininae, and Exoristinae): Beskia aelops Walker, Trichodura sp., Voria ruralis (Fallén), Zelia sp., Cylindromyia carinata Townsend, Phasia xenos Townsend, Neomintho sp., Genea australis (Townsend), Copecrypta sp., Hystricia sp., Belvosia sp., Leschenaultia sp., and Winthemia pinguis (Fabricius). Types, length and distribution of antennal sensilla were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our comparative analysis summarized 29 variable characters and we evaluated their phylogenetic signal for subfamilial, tribal and generic/specific levels, showing that antennal ultrastructure could be a reliable source of characters for phylogenetic analysis. Our findings demonstrate the remarkable diversity of the antennal ultrastructure of Tachinidae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvio S Nihei
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Genting Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Qike Wang
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Xianui Liu
- University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiunan Pang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Deivys Alvarez-Garcia
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Grupo de Investigación en Zoología y Ecología, Universidad de Sucre, Colombia
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu W, Li X, Wang Q, Zhang C, Yang M, Zhou T, Li K, Zhang D. Insights into the Antennal Characteristics and Olfactory Strategy of the Endangered Rhino Stomach Bot Fly Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae). INSECTS 2022; 13:889. [PMID: 36292837 PMCID: PMC9604252 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae) is a rare obligate intestinal parasite of both white and black rhinoceroses, which can induce severe myiasis, cause secondary infection, and lead to enormous economic and scientific loss. Antennae are the main sensory organs of G. rhinocerontis, which may have evolved a series of specialized adaptive structures to facilitate the exploitation of their hosts. Here, we thoroughly examine the antennae of G. rhinocerontis via light and scanning electron microscopy. Only microtrichia and chaetic sensilla were observed on the scape and pedicel, and the latter is enlarged, half-enveloping the postpedicel. Four types of sensilla (trichoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, and clavate sensilla) and sensory pits are detected on the postpedicel. A set of coeloconic sensilla and a chaetic sensillum are located on the arista. Distribution, type, size, and ultrastructure of antennal sensilla are presented. The antennae of G. rhinocerontis are the largest among Oestridae species, with the most sensilla and the most sensory pits. These antennal characteristics could be correlated to their adaptation for more sensitive and accurate olfactory organs, used to locate their rare and endangered hosts. Accordingly, this morphological evidence supports that the host is an important driving factor in the diversity of antennal morphology in the bot flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentian Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qike Wang
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Chenglin Zhang
- Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Minghai Yang
- Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Tongshan Zhou
- Yantai City Garden Construction and Maintenance Center, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu W, Liu G, Wang Q, Yan L, Liu X, Li X, Pape T, Zhang D. Ultrastructure of Antennal Sensory Organs in Nine Flesh Flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): New Insight into the Definition of Family Sarcophagidae. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13070602. [PMID: 35886778 PMCID: PMC9316071 DOI: 10.3390/insects13070602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The antennal sensilla of species in all three subfamilies of Sarcophagidae are studied for the first time via scanning electron microscopy. The morphology, density, and distribution of each type are described for each species. A total of eight types of antennal sensilla (chaetic sensilla, setiferous plaques, pedicellar buttons, trichoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, clavate sensilla, bottle-shaped sensilla) and sensory pits are found in both sexes. The existence of bottle-shaped sensilla in the sensory pits in all three subfamilies of the sarcophagid species suggests a potential synapomorphy of sarcophagids and a new morphological diagnosis character of the family Sarcophagidae. Abstract The antennae are the main olfactory organ of flies, playing key roles in their survival and the success of all life stages. Antennal ultrastructural morphology has been well described in the representative species of most calyptrate families, yet only a few studies have focused on Sarcophagidae species, those with ecological and medical relevance. Antennal morphology and the types, shapes, distribution, and density of the antennal sensilla of nine Sarcophagidae species are studied in detail with scanning electron microscopy, including Miltogramminae: Metopia campestris (Fallén) and Mesomelena mesomelaena (Loew), Paramacronychiinae: Agria mihalyii (Rohdendorf & Verves), Wohlfahrtia bella (Macquart), and W. magnifica (Schiner); Sarcophaginae: Sarcophaga (Parasarcophaga) albiceps Meigen, S. (Bercaea) africa (Wiedemann), S. (Boettcherisca) peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy), and S. (Liosarcophaga) portschinskyi (Rohdendorf), covering all three subfamilies of this family. The morphology of the three segments of the antennae has been described. The scape has only one type of chaetic sensilla, while three subtypes of chaetic sensilla were detected on the pedicel. The postpedicel has four types of sensilla: trichoid sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, clavate sensilla, and three subtypes of basiconic sensilla. Bottle-shaped sensilla were observed in sensory pits on the postpedicel in all nine species. These sensilla have not been discovered in other calyptrate species, suggesting that they are a potential sarcophagid synapomorphy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentian Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China; (W.X.); (G.L.); (L.Y.); (X.L.)
| | - Genting Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China; (W.X.); (G.L.); (L.Y.); (X.L.)
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Qike Wang
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Liping Yan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China; (W.X.); (G.L.); (L.Y.); (X.L.)
| | - Xianhui Liu
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China; (W.X.); (G.L.); (L.Y.); (X.L.)
| | - Thomas Pape
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, Science Faculty, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China; (W.X.); (G.L.); (L.Y.); (X.L.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pezzi M, Scapoli C, Bharti M, Faucheux MJ, Chicca M, Leis M, Marchetti MG, Mamolini E, Salvia R, Falabella P, Bonacci T. Fine Structure of Maxillary Palps in Adults of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:658-665. [PMID: 33200778 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A relevant species in waste management but also in forensic, medical, and veterinary sciences is the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus; Diptera: Stratiomyidae). An ultrastructural study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted for the first time on maxillary palps of both sexes, describing in detail the morphology and distribution of sensilla and microtrichia. The maxillary palps, composed of two segments, show sexual dimorphism in length and shape. In both sexes, the first segment is covered only by microtrichia, but the second one is divided into two parts: the proximal one, covered only by microtrichia, and the distal one containing both microtrichia and sensory structures. These structures include two types of sensory pits and one of chaetic sensilla. Due to sexual dimorphism in palp size, females have a higher number of sensory pits. The sexual dimorphism of palps and the presence and role of sensilla in H. illucens was discussed in comparison to other species of the family Stratiomyidae and of other Diptera. This study may represent a base for further investigations on mouthpart structures of this species, involved in key physiological activities, such as feeding, mating and oviposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Pezzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Bharti
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | | | - M Chicca
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Leis
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M G Marchetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - E Mamolini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - R Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - P Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - T Bonacci
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Meraz-Álvarez R, Bautista-Martínez N, Illescas-Riquelme CP, González-Hernández H, Valdez-Carrasco JM, Savage J. Identification of Delia spp. (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera, Anthomyiidae) and its cruciferous hosts in Mexico. Zookeys 2020; 964:127-141. [PMID: 32939149 PMCID: PMC7471131 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.964.53947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil pests of cruciferous crops in Mexico have been gaining importance in recent years; such is the case of Delia spp. (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera, Anthomyiidae), of which, to date, there are no studies on the correct identification of associated species, as well as the range of hosts. In an integrated pest management program, it is essential to know this information to design and implement adequate phytosanitary measures. Plants infested by Delia spp. were collected in the states of Guanajuato, Puebla, and Mexico from June to November 2017 and March to December 2018 in commercial plantations of cruciferous crops (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica, botrytis and capitata), B. napus L., and Raphanus sativus L.) as well as some cruciferous weeds (R. raphanistrum L., Sisymbrium irio L., B. campestris L., Capsella bursa-pastoris L., and Lepidium virginicum L.) in the edges of these crops. The two species found in this study, Delia planipalpis (Stein) and Delia platura (Meigen), identified using male genitalia was corroborated by molecular techniques. Both species emerged from all the sampled hosts, except for C. bursa-pastoris and L. virginicum. The association of the two species in cruciferous crops and weeds, provides valuable information for the management of these insects not only in cruciferous crops but other ones that are strongly attacked by D. platura.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Meraz-Álvarez
- Colegio de Postgraduados, Posgrado en Fitosanidad-Entomología y Acarología, Carretera México-Texcoco Km. 36.5, Montecillo, Texcoco 56230, Estado de México, México Colegio de Postgraduados Texcoco Mexico
| | - Néstor Bautista-Martínez
- Colegio de Postgraduados, Posgrado en Fitosanidad-Entomología y Acarología, Carretera México-Texcoco Km. 36.5, Montecillo, Texcoco 56230, Estado de México, México Colegio de Postgraduados Texcoco Mexico
| | - Carlos Patricio Illescas-Riquelme
- Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Blvd. Enrique Reyna Hermosillo No.140 C.P. 25294 Saltillo, Coahuila, México Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada Saltillo Mexico
| | - Héctor González-Hernández
- Colegio de Postgraduados, Posgrado en Fitosanidad-Entomología y Acarología, Carretera México-Texcoco Km. 36.5, Montecillo, Texcoco 56230, Estado de México, México Colegio de Postgraduados Texcoco Mexico
| | - Jorge Manuel Valdez-Carrasco
- Colegio de Postgraduados, Posgrado en Fitosanidad-Entomología y Acarología, Carretera México-Texcoco Km. 36.5, Montecillo, Texcoco 56230, Estado de México, México Colegio de Postgraduados Texcoco Mexico
| | - Jade Savage
- Biological Sciences, Bishop's University, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1M 1Z7, Canada Bishop's University Sherbrooke Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang QK, Yang YZ, Li XY, Li K, Zhang D. Comparative ultrastructure of pretarsi in five calyptrate species. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2213-22. [PMID: 26916893 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4963-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Pretarsi are the most important structures that allow flies to walk on various smooth surfaces and act as contact sensory organs. The pretarsal ultrastructure, including adhesive pads, claws, unguitractors, and bristles, of five calyptrate species are presented and described in detail, including Calliphora calliphoroides (Rohdendorf, 1931), Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826), Sarcophaga portschinskyi (Rohdendorf, 1937), Muscina stabulans (Fallen, 1817) and Portschinskia magnifica Pleske, 1926. Two types of tenent setae (spoon-tipped and spatula-tipped) are present on the ventral side of pulvilli in all species. The density of tenent setae and the pulvilli area in forelegs, midlegs, and hindlegs of both sexes are different. Among the five species, Ca. calliphoroides has unusually large pulvilli to its body size. These results provide morphological details that help to understand the movement and attachment of flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q K Wang
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Y Z Yang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - X Y Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - K Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Department of Zoology, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - D Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China. .,Department of Zoology, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li XY, Liu XH, Ge YQ, Zhang D. Scanning electron microscopy of antennal sensory organs of the cattle grub, Hypoderma lineatum (Diptera: Oestridae). Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3865-71. [PMID: 26193822 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4617-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypoderma lineatum (Villers, 1789) (Diptera: Oestridae) is a hypodermosis fly that has resulted in great economic losses worldwide. The antennae of cattle grub males and females were examined through stereoscopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to reveal the general morphology, combined with distribution, type, size, and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla. All of the three antennal segments (antennal scape, pedicel, and funiculus) possess microtrichiae on their surface. Mechanoreceptors only exist on the antennal scape and pedicel. The antennal funiculus presents four types of antennal sensilla: trichoid, basiconic, coeloconic, and clavate sensilla. Three distinctive characters of H. lineatum are obvious: (1) the relatively slender, flexible, and equal-height mechanoreceptors; (2) the enlarged antennal pedicel, and numerous antennal sensory pits and pit sensilla on the antennal funiculus; and (3) all types of antennal sensilla clustered in sensory pits, respectively. Additionally, the enlarged antennal pedicel and abundant sensory pits and pit sensilla might facilitate odor detection, enhance olfactory sensitivity and accuracy, and also protect the fragile antennal sensilla from mechanical irritation or damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Y Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu XH, Li XY, Li K, Zhang D. Ultrastructure of antennal sensory organs of horse nasal-myiasis fly, Rhinoestrus purpureus (Diptera: Oestridae). Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2527-33. [PMID: 25859927 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Rhinoestrus purpureus (Brauer, 1858) (Diptera: Oestridae) is an economically important parasite that can cause severe nasal myiasis in equids or even attacking humans. The antennae of R. purpureus were examined using stereoscopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The general morphology was provided detailedly, together with distribution, type, size, and ultrastructure of antennal sensilla. All the three antennal segments, antennal scape, pedicel, and funiculus, are interspersed by microtrichiae. Only mechanoreceptors are detected on antennal scape and pedicel. On antennal funiculus, three types of sensilla were observed, including basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla and clavate sensilla. Two features are characterized of this host-specific bot fly: (1) numerous sensory pits with branched basiconic sensilla on antennal funiculus and (2) the absence of trichoid sensilla. The function of these distinctive traits are discussed in association with the life history. We suggest that more sensory pits with branched sensilla could increase the sensitivity of olfactory system for host orientation, while the capability of pheromone identification might be reduced due to the absence of trichoid sensilla. Besides, we support both thermo- and chemo-functions of coeloconic sensilla.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X H Liu
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|