The antennal sensilla of alate Myzus persicae were mapped using transmission electron microscopy and the ultrastructure of sensilla trichoidea, coeloconica, and placoidea are described. Trichoid sensilla, located on the tip of the antennae, are innervated by 2-4 neurons, with some outer dendrites reaching the distal end of the hair. Coeloconic sensilla in primary rhinaria are of two morphological types, both equipped with two dendrites. Dendrites of Type II coeloconic sensilla are enveloped in the dendrite sheath, containing the sensillum lymph. In sensilla coeloconica of Type I, instead, dendrites are enclosed by an electron opaque solid cuticle, with no space left for the sensillum lymph. The ultrastructure of big placoid sensillum reveals the presence of three groups of neurons, with 2-3 dendrites in each neuron group, while both small placoid sensilla are equipped with a single group of neurons, consisting of three dendrites. Both large and small placoid sensilla bear multiple pores on the outer cuticle. The function of these sensilla is also discussed.
Keywords: chemosensing; electron microscopy; sensillum coeloconica; sensillum placoidea; sensillum trichoidea.
© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.