The ultrastructure of sensilla associated with mouthparts and antennae of Lucilia cuprina

Abstract

Antennal and maxillary palps of Lucilia cuprina male and female (family: Calliphoridae) were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Five types of sensilla were observed namely: trichoid, basiconic, coeloconic, styloconic and sensory pit. Trichoid sensilla (one subtype: short trichoid sensilla) was found on the scape of the antenna, while both trichoid (two subtypes: short and long trichoid sensilla) and styloconic sensilla were observed on the antennal pedicel. Basiconic sensilla (two subtypes: small and large basiconic sensilla), coeloconic sensilla and sensory pits were detected on the flagellum of antenna. Cheatica (two subtypes: small and large Cheatica) and small basicinic sensilla were located on the maxillary palps. Microtrachia were observed on all joints of antenna and maxillary palps. No marked differences were observed in the morphological structure of any of the sensilla among the two sexes studied. The suggested function of each antennal sensillum was based on comparison with results of other investigations on similar sensilla.