Morphological characterization of antennal sensilla in Toxorhynchites theobaldi, Toxorhynchites violaceus, and Lutzia bigoti adults: a comparative study using scanning electron microscopy

• Published in: Protoplasma Vol. 261; no. 4; pp. 671 - 684
• Main Authors: Albergaria, Rhiala Gomes, dos Santos Araújo, Renan, Martins, Gustavo Ferreira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vienna Springer Vienna 01.07.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Antennae; Antennal sensilla; Biological control; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cell Biology; Culicidae; Electron microscopes; Feeding behavior; Life Sciences; Lutzia bigoti; Mosquitoes; Original Article; Oviposition; Plant Sciences; Predators; Scanning electron microscopy; Sensilla; Species; Toxorhynchites theobaldi; Toxorhynchites violaceus; Vector-borne diseases; Zoology; Sensory organs; Antennal flagellum; Culicidae; Antenna
• ISSN: 0033-183X; 1615-6102; 1615-6102
• DOI: 10.1007/s00709-024-01927-0

Some mosquitoes, including species of the genus Toxorhynchites , are known for actively preying on other mosquito larvae, making these predators valuable allies in the fight against vector-borne diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of these potential biological control agents is helpful for the development of effective strategies for controlling vector populations. This includes the antennae, a crucial component in the search for hosts, mating, and selection of oviposition sites. This study utilized scanning electron microscopy to characterize the sensilla on the antennae of adult mosquitoes from two species that are exclusively phytophagous, including Toxorhynchites theobaldi and Toxorhynchites violaceus , as well as  Lutzia bigoti , which females are allegedly hematophagous. The types of sensilla in each species were compared, and five basic types of antennal sensilla were identified: trichoid, chaetic, coeloconic, basiconic, and ampullacea. The analysis also found that they were morphologically similar across the three species, regardless of feeding habits or sex. The identification and characterization of basic types of antennal sensilla in T. theobaldi , T. violaceus , and  L. bigoti suggest that these structures, which play a crucial role in the behavior and ecology, have common functions across different mosquito species, despite differences in feeding habits or sex.