Ultrastructure of the antennal funiculus sensory organs of adult Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Author of the article:
Author's Workplace：北京林业大学自然保护区学院，北京 100083
Key Words： Lucilia sericata, antennal funiculus, TEM, LSCM, sensilla, sensory sacculus
Abstract： [Objectives] To investigate the ultrastructure, and discuss the potential functions of antennal sensilla on funiculus of Lucilia sericata, which is a synanthropic fly of great medical importance. [Methods] Using transmission electron microscopy and a laser scanning confocal microscope. [Results] The ultrastructure of four types of sensilla, including trichoid sensilla (Tr), basiconic sensilla (Ba), coeloconic sensilla (Co), and sensory sacculus (SS), were identified and descripted. [Conclusion] Tr and Ba may function as olfactory receptors, while Co might be involved in thermo- or hygro- reception. In the sensory sacculus, non-pore basiconic sensilla could be hygro- and thermo- sensilla, whereas basiconic-like sensilla and coeloconic-like sensilla might indicate a potential chemoreceptor function. Sensilla in the sacculus can function together, which demonstrates that the sensory sacculus acts as a functional complex. Due to the various types of sensilla and the complex sacculus, the antennae of flies could be a useful model for morphological, functional and evolutionary research on insect antennae.