Ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of the mayfly Baetis rhodani (Pictet) (Ephemeroptera : Baetidae)

Abstract

The distribution and fine morphology of antennal sensilla of nymphal and adult mayfly, Baetis rhodani (Ephemeroptera : Baetidae), were examined. In the nymph, various kinds of sensilla (chaetica, basiconica, coeloconica and cuticular pits) are differently arranged on the antennal segments, whereas sensilla campaniformia delimit the distal border of the pedicel. A peculiar kind of sensillum basiconicum, named flat-tipped sensillum, is present along the entire antenna, even though in the flagellum it has a regular arrangement between the cuticular lobes that delimit the distal border of each article. In the subimago the scape and pedicel are profusely covered with microtrichia and scattered sensilla trichodea, whereas the flagellum shows cuticular ribs. Sensilla coeloconica are present along the ventral side of the flagellum. In the imago, the antenna is completely decorated with scales among which sensilla trichodea and sensilla coeloconica occasionally occur. As in the nymph, adult mayflies have a ring of sensilla campaniformia along the distal border of the pedicel. When compared with nymphal antennae, those of adults have fewer types of sensilla, presumably in relation to the short, non-feeding terrestrial life.