Ultrastructure of the sensilla on antennae and mouthparts of nine caterpillar species
Huang, Nannan ; Zhou, Ke ; Zhang, Guoyun ; Yuan, Xiangqun
DOI 10.1016/j.jcz.2026.03.002
Abstract
To better understand variations in sensilla of the antennae and mouthparts among caterpillar across different families, the sensilla on antennae and mouthparts of 9 butterfly species, in their mature larval instars stage, from 4 families of Lepidoptera were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that larvae of the Pieridae, Papilionidae, Hesperiidae and Nymphalidae families possess abundant sensilla with similar distribution patterns, on their antennae and mouthparts, respectively. The sensilla are classified into 5 main types: sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, sensilla styloconica, and sensilla digitiformia. Although the fundamental composition and primary morphology of the antennae and mouthparts of these larvae are similar, subtle morphological differences are closely associated with their feeding behaviors. Based on these results, the morphogenic differences and potential functions of the antennae and mouthparts of Lepidoptera in the mature larval instars are discussed.