Scanning electron microscopy studies of the antennal sensilla ofOdontotermes fomosanus (Shiraki)
Author of the article:ZHANG Xin-Wei1** JI Bao-Zhong1*** LIU Shu-Wen2*** YANG Jin-Jin1 ZHAO Zheng-Ping1WANG Li-Ping1 W
Author's Workplace：1. Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; 2. The Administration Bureau of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, Nanjing 210014, China
Key Words：Odontotermes fomosanus, antennae, antennal sensilla, scanning electron microscopy
Abstract： [Objectives] To determine the types, number and distribution of antennal sensilla in larvae, workers and soldiers of Odontotermes fomosanus (Shiraki), and to analyze the characteristics of antennal sensilla in order to provide a reference for studying the developmental characteristics of antennal sensilla and the mechanism underlying behavior differentiation among different castes. [Methods] The morphological characteristics of antennae were observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the type, number, and distribution of antennal sensilla, and the antennal segment number, noted. [Results] There were significant differences in antennal length among larvae, workers and soldiers which can be ranked in descending order as follows; worker＞solider＞3rd instar larva＞2nd instar larva＞1st instar larva. A total of nine types of antennal sensilla were found. These were: short sensillatrichodea, long sensillatrichodea, short sensillachaetica, long sensillachaetica, Böhm bristle, sensilla campaniformia, furcella-shape sensillacampaniformia, the intermedius type sensillacampaniformia (something similar to the sensillacampaniformia and furcella-shape sensilla), long sensillatrichodea with a bubble at the terminal. Workers and soldiers did not have the long sensillatrichodea with the bubble at the terminal. The number and types of sensilla on larval antennae increased with instar. For example, there were seven types of sensilla in 1st instar larvae except sensillacampaniformia and the intermedius type sensillacampaniformia (something similar to the sensillacampaniformia and furcella-shape sensilla), eight types in 2nd instar larvae except sensillacampaniformia, and all nine types in 3rd instar larvae. [Conclusion] The presence of significant difference in antennal segment number and antennal sensilla among larvae, workers and soldiers means that antennal sensilla can be used to identify these castes.