Observation on the ultrastructure of the oral appendages of Glenea
cantor Fabricius (Coleoptera: Lamiinae)
Abstract
We investigated the gross and ultrastructure morphology of the
mandibles, labial palpus and mandibular palpus of adult male and female
Glenea cantor beetles using scanning electron microscopy. There
were significant differences between males and females in the gross and
ultrastructure morphology of these parts. Observation of the gross
morphology of the mandible, labial palpus and mandibular palpus revealed
that their lengths were significantly greater in females, which is
mainly related to the oviposition mechanism. In terms of the
ultrastructural morphology of the mandibles, labial palpus and
mandibular palpus, seven types of sensilla were found on these parts:
sensilla twig basiconica (STB I, II, III, and IV), sensilla chaetica
(SCh IV and V), Böhm’s bristles (Bb), sensilla placodea (SP), sensilla
trichodea (ST II), sensilla plate (SP), sensilla coeloconica (SC) and
sensilla campaniformia (SCa). Females have significantly more ST I and
SCh III on their mandibles than males. The mechanical sensors SCh and
Bb, olfactory sensor ST II, taste sensor STB IV, and carbon dioxide
sensor and temperature and humidity sensors SC, SP and SCa were
significantly more developed on female than male labial and maxillary
palps, which also further explained the important role of the oral
appendages in oviposition behavior. These results will help us further
understand the host selection and oviposition behavior of adult G.
cantor and promote the information-based design of pest control
methods.