The formation of the antenna sensory apparatus in some bug (Heteroptera) species in the course of their postembryonic development

Abstract

The morphology of the antenna sensory apparatus was investigated in three species of bugs: Coreus marginatus, Cimex lectularius, and Rhodnius prolixus. Four main types of sensillas (chaetica, trichodea, basiconica, and coeloconica) were identified. Chaetoid sensillas are differentiated into two subtypes: sensillas with cogged cuticles and those with smooth ones; trichoid sensillas were divided into long pointed and short ones with blunt ends. Trichobothria (long filiform hairs) were found on the medial side of pedicellum in R. prolixus. The postembryonic changes in the quantitative and quantitative composition of the antenna sensory apparatus were assessed using biométrie analysis. The greatest increase of sensory organs was observed upon the nymphal ecdysis from age V to imago.