Ultrastructure of coeloconic sensilla on postpedicel and maxillary palp of Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae)

• Main Authors: Sukontason K., Sukontason K.L., Vogtsberger R.C., Boonchu N., Chaiwong T., Piangjai S., Disney H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-12444256391&partnerID=40&md5=d376e47861a3c8b8e9b32a72fbda34f2; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/1964
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

The external morphology of coeloconic sensilla (peg-like sense organs protruding from deep pits) on the postpedicel (third antennal segment) and maxillary palp from a female Megaselia scalaris (Loew) is described using scanning electron microscopy. The pegs of the sensilla located on the postpedicel are "starfruit-like" in shape and are completely contained within deep depressions. Transmission electron microscopy showed that each peg has a thick and nonporous wall. The coeloconic sensilla of the maxillary palps are long, linear, and blunt-tipped and protrude over the cuticular surface. Possible functions of the sensilla are discussed. © 2005 Entomological Society of America.