Olfactory sensilla in crustaceans: Morphology, sexual dimorphism, and distribution patterns

Abstract

The morphological variation of crustacean olfactory sensilla is considerable, and appears to comprise both aesthetascs and male-specific sensilla. Male-specific sensilla have hitherto been described in some non-decapod groups, whereas the sexual dimorphism of the olfactory system of decapods is usually less prominent morphologically. The decapods usually have a larger number of sensory cells per aesthetasc sensillum than non-decapods. The aesthetascs and male-specific sensilla are arranged in arrays of varying density. Differences in the arrangement of sensilla probably reflect diverse stimulus acquisition behaviour.