Comparative SEM Study of Sensilla and Tyloid Structures in the Antennae of Vespinae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
by
,
Tong Zhou
, 
Xiaojuan Huang
,
Hasin Ullah
,
Yan Tang
,
Danyang Zhu
,
Hongli Xu
,
Qian Wen
,
Xiaoxia Tian
and
Jiangli Tan
* Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation/Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 North Taibai Road, Xi’an 710069, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Insects 2024, 15(6), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060448
Submission received: 15 April 2024
/
Revised: 9 June 2024
/
Accepted: 11 June 2024
/
Published: 13 June 2024
(This article belongs to the Collection Hymenoptera: Biology, Taxonomy and Integrated Management)
Simple Summary
Our study examined antennal structures in nine species of Vespinae wasps, providing insights into their morphology and sensilla diversity. Using SEM, we identified 19 sensilla types, including unique variations in pit organs and sensilla trichodea. The males of seven species exhibited tyloids. This research enhances our understanding of sensory systems in Hymenoptera, aiding taxonomy and evolutionary studies.
Abstract
This study investigates the distribution, morphology, and potential functions of antennal sensilla in various wasp species, including Dolichovespula flora, D. intermedia, Vespula structor, Vl. vulgaris, Provespa barthelemyi, Vespa bicolor, V. ducalis, V. mocsaryana, and V. velutina var. nigothorax. The study thoroughly analyzes the antennal structure of these species, representing all four genera of the yellow-jacket and hornet subfamily Vespinae. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the study identifies a total of nineteen types of sensilla, including sensilla trichodea (ST-I, ST-II, ST-III), sensilla campaniform (SCF-I, SCF-II, SCF-III), pit organs (SCO-I, SCO-II, and SA), sensilla placodea (SP-I, SP-II), sensilla chaetica (SCH-I, SCH-II), sensilla basiconica (SB-I, SB-II), sensilla agmon (SAG-I, SAG-II), and sensilla coelocapitular (SCA). Additionally, tyloids were observed in the males of seven species, except for Vl. structor and Vl. vulgaris. The study provides insights into these sensilla types’ morphology, abundance, and distribution. It discusses the variations in sensilla morphology among different species and the presence of gender-specific sensilla. This study provides new data about the morphology and distribution patterns of sensilla and tyloid.
