Carbon-dioxide sensing structures in terrestrial arthropods

Abstract

Sensory structures that detect atmospheric carbon dioxide have been identified and described to the subcellular level in adults of Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Chilopoda, and Ixodidae, as well as in lepidopteran larvae. The structures are usually composed of clusters of wall-pore type sensilla that may form distinct sensory organs, often recessed in pits or capsules. In insects, they are located on either the palps or the antennae, in chilopods on the head capsule, and in ixodids on the forelegs. In the two cases where the central projections have been examined (Lepidoptera and mosquitoes), the clustering is preserved to the level of second order neurons, which are located in the deutocerebrum. Individual sensilla usually contain a single receptor neuron that is sensitive to CO(2); it may be accompanied by other neurons that respond to other olfactory qualities. The distal dendritic processes of CO(2)-sensitive neurons invariably show an increased surface area, dividing into many cylindrical branches or into lamellar structures. Lamellar membranes are often closely linked to arrays of microtubules. Fine pore canal tubules are usually associated with the cuticular pores.