Morphological Characterization and Distribution of Antennal Sensilla of Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy1

Abstract

The cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a pest in cabbage crops throughout Europe and Asia. To better understand the chemical orientation of this insect toward its host products, we used scanning electron microscopy to determine the structure and distribution of antennal sensilla of M. brassicae. The antennae of the female and male moths were thread-like and composed of a scape, a pedicel, and a flagellum with >43 flagellomeres. Based on their morphology, sensilla chaetica (subtypes 1 and 2), sensilla trichodea (subtypes 1, 2, and 3), sensilla basiconica (subtypes 1 and 2), sensilla styloconica, Böhm bristles, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla squamiformia were distinguished on the antennae in both sexes. The putative functions of these sensilla also were discussed with reference to their morphology, distribution, and ultrastructure. This work is a prerequisite for future electrophysiological studies of the antennal sensory system involved in intraspecific chemical communication.