Sexual dimorphism in antennal sensilla of Parthenium beetle Zygogramma bicolorata

Authors : İshana QADIR, AYESHA QAMAR

Pages : 164-170

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Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In the present study, scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the ultrastructure of sensilla present on the antennae of male and female Zygogramma bicolorata. The antennae in this insect consist of the scape, pedicel, and nine flagellomeres. Six types of sensilla were identified: sensilla trichodea type 1 and 2 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ST1, ST2);, sensilla cavitae insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SCa);, sensilla chaetica insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SCh);, and sensilla basiconica type 1 and 2 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SB1, SB2);. Sensilla were characterized on the basis of their size and density to find out whether sexual dimorphism exists in this species or not. We observed that the size of the antennomeres was comparatively larger in males than females. Moreover, sensilla chaetica were found on all antennomers and have the qualification of being the longest type, suggesting that they probably have a role in mechanoreception. There was an abundance of sensilla trichodea in both males and females, indicating its function as a chemoreceptor. Sensilla basiconica are believed to sense sex pheromones and hence their abundance was more in males as compared to females.
Keywords : Antenna, antennomeres, olfaction, pheromones, sensilla