The structure and morphogenic changes of antennae of Spilococcus alhagi (Hall) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) in different instars

• Published in: Zoologischer Anzeiger 2024-03, Vol.309, p.1-11
• Main Authors: Ning, Shuo-ying, Tian, Zhe-hao, Cao, Tong, Qu, Jia, Jing, Qi, Feng, Ji-nian, Chen, Chuan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antennal sensilla; Morphogenetic changes; Scanning electron microscopy; Spilococcus alhagi; Ultrastucture
• ISSN: 0044-5231; 1873-2674
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2023.12.004

To better understand the antennal morphology and sensilla distribution of Spilococcus alhagi (Hall) in different instars, the antennae are examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the antennae of S. alhagi could be differentiated in different instars based on their stucture, number of flagellomere, and sensillar distribution. Functional antennae of S. alhagi appear in first instar nymphs, adult females, and adult males as many scale insects. The antennae of first-instar nymphs comprise six segments, and each antenna has 62–71 sensilla of eight types, including sensilla basiconica (SB), one type of sensilla trichoidea (ST1), two types of sensilla companiform (SCa, sSCa), two types of sensilla coeloconica (SCo1, SCo2) and two types of sensilla chaetica (SCh1, SCh2). The antennae of adult females have eight segments, but each antenna has 164–188 sensilla of the same eight types as the first instar nymphs. The antennae of adult males are more developed, and each antenna contains ten segments and 670–725 sensilla of eleven types, including knobbed seta sensilla (Ks), intersegmental sensilla (Ins), two types of sensilla trichoidea (ST1, ST2), two types of sensilla companiform (SCa, sSCa), two types of sensilla coeloconica (SCo1, SCo2) and three types of sensilla chaetica (SCh1, SCh2, bSCh). Of these, four types of sensilla, viz., Ks, ST2, Ins, bSCh are only observed on the antennae of adult males. The prepupa-like and pupa-like male nymphs both possess simplified antennae, and exhibit four types of sensilla (ST1, SCa, SCh1, SCh2). Based on these results, the morphogenic changes and potential functions of antennae of S. alhagi in different instars are discussed. •This is the first study to provide morphological and ultrastructural description of the antennae and antennal sensilla of S. alhagi in different instars.•The antennae of S. alhagi could be differentiated in different instars based on their stucture, number of flagellomere, and sensillar distribution. Functional antennae of S. alhagi appear in first instar nymphs, adult females, and adult males as many scale insects.•The antennae of first-instar nymphs comprise six segments, and each antenna has 62–71 sensilla of eight types. The antennae of adult females have eight segments, but each antenna has 164–188 sensilla of the same eight types as the first instar nymphs.•The antennae of adult males are the most developed, and each antenna contains ten segments and 6