Ultrastructure of antennal sensilla of three fruit borers (Lepidoptera: Crambidae or Tortricidae)

PLoS One. 2018 Oct 11;13(10):e0205604. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205604. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Three fruit borers Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (Crambidae), Grapholita molesta Busck (Tortricidae), and Spilonota albicana Motschulsky (Tortricidae) are serious pests of fruit trees. In this study, their antennal morphology, types of sensilla, and distributions were observed by using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). Nine types of sensilla were found on the antennae of C. punctiferalis, while eight types of sensilla were presented on each of G. molesta and S. albicana. The sensilla trichodea with two subtypes were the most abundant sensilla among three fruit borers. Two subtypes of sensillum coeloconica (type I with spines and type II without spines) were observed on the antennae of C. punctiferalis and G. molesta. However, sensilla coeloconica (type I) were only found in S. albicana. Although the sensilla campaniformia were only found on the antennae of C. punctiferalis, our observations confirm sensilla campaniformia presence in the moths. In addition, the functions of these sensilla were discussed based on previously reported lepidopteran insects. As a result, our study may provide useful information for advanced electrophysiological and behavioral experiments to better understand the mechanisms related to pests control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Lepidoptera / ultrastructure*
  • Male
  • Sensilla / ultrastructure*
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Species Specificity

Grants and funding

This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 31071693, 31871971, 31772503, and 31272043 to Dr. Yiping Li and Prof. Junxiang Wu) and the Agro-Industry R and D Special Fund of China (Grant No. 2017YFD0200900 to Dr. Yiping Li).