Abstract:

【Objective】 The type, quantity and distribution of antennal sensilla were studied. The results provide data for the study of Plagionotus pulcher behavior and electrophysiology. 【Method】 Antennae surface structures of male and female adults were observed using a scanning electron microscope. 【Result】 The antennal length of females was significantly shorter than body length; that of males was also shorter than or equal to body length. Male and female adults had six types and 11 subtypes of sensilla. There were six subtypes of sensillum basiconca, three of sensillum trichodea, one of sensillum chaetica and one of sensillum campaniformia. According to the number of sensors, the order from most to least was sensillum trichodea, sensillum basiconca, sensillum chaetica and sensillum campaniformia. Sensillum basiconca were distributed in the flagella; sensillum trichodea, in all antenna segments; and sensillum chaetica, mainly in the scape, pedicel, distal F1, F2 and other falgellum segments. Sensillum campaniformia was distributed from F7 to F9 in females and from F3 to F4 in males. The number of sensilla and types gradually increased from basal to distal, and the antennal sensilla of females was greater than that of males. 【Conclusion】 The distal part of P. pulcher antennae was the main component of semiochemical components, and the segments from F6 to F9 were preferred for electrophysiological testing. More antennal sensilla in females were beneficial for receiving pheromones from males and volatiles from host plants. The function of each sensilla must be further verified using a combination of behavioral and electrophysiological tests.

Key words: Plagionotus pulcher, antennae, sensilla, scanning electron microscope (SEM)