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Fine structure of the antennal tip of the crabhole mosquito, Deinocerites cancer Theobald (Diptera : Culicidae)

1976; Elsevier BV; Volume: 5; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0020-7322(76)90008-8

1872-907X

Susan B. McIver, Roman Siemicki,

Insect Utilization and Effects

The antennal tips of both sexes of Deinocerites cancer Theobald bear sensilla coeloconica (pegs in pits) and internal sensilla with bipolar neurons that lack any connection with the cuticle. Each sensillum coeloconicum is innervated by 3 neurons. The dendrites of 2 neurons extend unbranched into the peg, whereas that of the third terminates below the peg base and is divided into numerous lamellae and microvilli. In males, the lamellated dendrite is much larger and more complex in organization than in females, a feature which is probably related to the unusual pupal finding and attendance phases of the mating behavior of the male. The 2 neurons with unbranched dendrites probably respond to heat transferred by convection. Possibly, the lamellated dendrite may be sensitive to infrared radiation or mechanical stimuli. Each internal sensillum in male D. cancer has one bipolar neuron with a dendrite divided into lamellae and microvilli. Females have similar internal sensilla plus a type with 2 bipolar neurons, the dendrite of one is unbranched and that of the other is lamellate in structure. The internal sensilla represent an intermediate form between the usually accepted Type I and Type II arthropod sensilla. Based on similarity in fine structure it is suggested that the internal sensilla have the same proposed functions as the sensilla coeloconica.