Antennal sensilla of female fig pollinator Ceratosolen sp. and its ecological implication.
Abstract:The antennal sensilla of female parasitoid, Ceratosolen sp. (Hymenopte
ra: Agaonidae), were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The anten
na was geniculate in shape, and consisted of three basal segments. Thirteen type
s of sensilla were distinguished, including sensilla trichodea (1 type), multipo
rous placoid sensilla (1 type), basiconic sensilla (2 types), basiconic capitate
peg sensilla, chaetica sensilla (4 types), coeloconic sensilla (3 types) and on
e specialized sensillum regarded as sensillum obscurum. The morphology, abundanc
e, distribution of the sensilla was recorded. Their putative functions were anal
yzed based on selected staining results and wasp behavior observed in the field.
Furthermore, the ecological significance of the sensilla was also discussed in
relation to the specific relationship between the fig/wasp mutualism.