ABSTRACT
We investigated the gross and
ultrastructure morphology of the
mandibles, labial
palpus and mandibular palpus of
adult male and female Glenea cantor beetles using scanning
electron microscopy. There were significant differences between males
and females in the gross and ultrastructure morphology of these parts.
Observation of the gross morphology of the mandible, labial palpus and
mandibular palpus revealed that their lengths were significantly greater
in females, which is mainly related to the oviposition mechanism. In
terms of the ultrastructural morphology of the mandibles, labial palpus
and mandibular palpus, seven types of sensilla were found on these
parts: sensilla twig basiconica (STB I, II, III, and IV), sensilla
chaetica (SCh IV and V), Böhm’s bristles (Bb), sensilla placodea (SP),
sensilla trichodea (ST II), sensilla plate (SP), sensilla coeloconica
(SC) and sensilla campaniformia (SCa). Females have significantly more
ST I and SCh III on their mandibles than males. The mechanical sensors
SCh and Bb, olfactory sensor ST II, taste sensor STB IV, and carbon
dioxide sensor and temperature and humidity sensors SC, SP and SCa were
significantly more developed on female than male labial and maxillary
palps, which also further explained the important role of the oral
appendages in oviposition behavior.
These results will help us further
understand the host selection and oviposition behavior of adult G.
cantor and promote the information-based design of pest control
methods.