Search Results (3)

Pontia edusa is a nectar-feeding butterfly widely distributed in Europe, northwestern India, Siberia, North Africa (extending to Ethiopia), and most regions of China; however, detailed information on the fine morphology of its proboscis remains limited. In this study, scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the external morphology, zonal organization, and sensilla composition of the adult proboscis, and sexual differences in selected morphological parameters were statistically analyzed. The proboscis consists of a pair of elongated maxillary galeae that interlock via dorsal and ventral legulae to form a continuous food canal. Based on structural variation in the dorsal legulae, the proboscis can be divided into three zones. Zone 1 is characterized by tightly interlocked legulae and serrated external ridges; Zone 2 shows enlarged interlegular gaps and gradual modification of external surface ornamentation; and Zone 3 lacks dorsal legulae and bears flake-like bumps. Three major types of sensilla were identified on the proboscis, including sensilla chaetica, basiconica, and styloconica, comprising six subtypes in total. The sensilla chaetica subtype sc2, restricted to the ventral surface of the proximal proboscis, represents a previously unreported morphological feature for P. edusa. These results provide a detailed morphological framework for the proboscis of P. edusa and expand the comparative basis for evaluating structural diversity and regionalization patterns of the proboscis in flower-visiting pierid butterflies. Full article

Morphological studies of the proboscis can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary adaptations of Lepidoptera. However, such research is relatively limited for Pieridae, a family that is significant both ecologically and economically. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate the proboscis and associated sensilla of adult C. erate, with an emphasis on ultrastructural details and potential sex-specific differences. The proboscis in both sexes exhibits a similar structure, consisting of two elongated maxillary galeae connected by dorsal and ventral legulae. It is divided into three distinct zones based on morphological changes in the dorsal legulae. The outer surface of the proboscis is characterized by spike-like microbumps on transverse ridges, while the inner surface (food canal) is smooth throughout all three zones, with regularly spaced transverse grooves. Three types of sensilla comprising five subtypes were identified: sensilla chaetica (sc), sensilla basiconica (sb1, sb2, and sb3), and sensilla styloconica (ss). The functional implications of these morphological features are also discussed briefly. Full article

The proboscis is an important feeding organ for the glossatan moths, mainly adapted to the flower and non-flower visiting habits. The clover cutworm, Scotogramma trifolii Rottemberg, and the spotted clover moth, Protoschinia scutosa (Denis & Schiffermuller), are serious polyphagous pests, attacking numerous vegetables and crops, resulting in huge economic losses. However, the feeding behavior and mechanisms of the adult stage remain unsatisfactorily explored. In this study, the proboscis morphology of S. trifolii and P. scutosa are described in detail using scanning electron microscopy, with the aim of investigating the morphological differences and feeding behavior of these two species. The proboscises of S. trifolii and P. scutosa are similar in morphology and structure and are divided into three zones (Zone 1–3) based on the morphological changes of the dorsal legulae. Three sensillum types are located on the proboscises of both species, sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, and sensilla styloconica. Significant differences were observed in the length of the proboscis and each zone between these two species, as well as in sensilla size and number. Based on the morphology of the proboscis and associated sensilla, S. trifolii and P. scutosa are potential flower visitors, which was also reinforced by the pollen observed at the proboscis tip. These results will strengthen our understanding of the structure of the proboscis related to the feeding behavior of Noctuidae. Full article