Abstract:
【Objective】 The objective of this study is to elucidate the types, features, and distribution of leg sensilla in female adult
Eupeodes corollae, in the hope of providing a morphological foundation for further studying on the egg-laying selection mechanism of the natural enemy
E. corollae.
【Methods】 Using scanning electron microscopy, the ultrastructure of leg sensilla in female
E. corollae adults was observed.
【Results】 The results showed that the legs of female adults of
E. corollae consisted of six segments, including coxa, trochanter, femur, tibia, tarsus, and pretarsus. In total, five types of sensilla were distributed on the legs: sensilla basiconica (subtypes I, II, and III), sensilla trichodea (long sensilla trichodea subtypes I and II; short sensilla trichodea subtypes I and II), sensilla chaetica (subtypes I and II), Böhm bristles, and microtrichiae. Sensilla basiconica (SB) were exclusively located on the tarsus, and one subtype SB I had a pore at its tip, suggesting a crucial function in chemoreception. Sensilla trichodea and sensilla chaetica were distributed on the femur, tibia, and tarsus of legs in female adult. These two types of sensilla had the longitudinal furrows on their hairy surface, no wall pore, and a movable socket at the base, which were characteristic features of mechanosensilla. The number of Böhm bristles and microtrichiae were large and widely distributed around various types of sensilla.
【Conclusion】 In this study, five types of sensilla are identified on the leg of female
E. corollae. The abundance and diverse types of sensilla are found in the tarsus segments of the legs, denoting their critical role in chemosensory perception.