The Microscopic Morphology of Mouthparts and Their Sensilla in the Mycophagous Ladybeetle <i>Illeis chinensis</i> (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
The morphological diversity of insect mouthparts is closely related to changes in food sources and diets. Research into the structures of insect mouthparts may help to establish a fundamental basis for a better understanding of insect feeding mechanisms. In this study, we examined the fine morpholog...
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MDPI AG
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Insects |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/15/1/46 |
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| author | Ke Wang Yuanyuan Lu Ming Bai Yuanxing Sun Yanan Hao |
| author_facet | Ke Wang Yuanyuan Lu Ming Bai Yuanxing Sun Yanan Hao |
| author_sort | Ke Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The morphological diversity of insect mouthparts is closely related to changes in food sources and diets. Research into the structures of insect mouthparts may help to establish a fundamental basis for a better understanding of insect feeding mechanisms. In this study, we examined the fine morphology of the mouthparts of <i>Illeis chinensis</i> using scanning electron microscopy. We paid particular attention to the types, quantities, and distribution of sensilla on the mouthparts. Our results showed that the basic components of the mouthparts of <i>I. chinensis</i> are the same as those in other lady beetles, i.e., the labrum, mandible, maxillae, labium, and hypopharynx. We also found structural specialization indicating adaptation to fungal feeding. On the mouthparts, there are eight kinds of sensilla and two kinds of glandular structures, including sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, sensilla styloconica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla campaniformia, sensilla placodea, sensilla digitiformia, Böhm bristles, perforated plates, and cuticular pores. This is the first time that sensilla digitiformia has been reported in ladybirds. Finally, variations in mouthparts among ladybirds with differing diets, as well as the putative functions of each of the mouthparts and sensilla, were discussed. This research can provide a reference for understanding the functions of the mouthparts in ladybird feeding behavior and thereby contribute to the development of precise insect behavior regulation and management strategies. |
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| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T10:46:24Z |
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| spelling | doaj.art-8822a320259c44d5b1b4abbab5dcf99c2024-01-26T17:04:15ZengMDPI AGInsects2075-44502024-01-011514610.3390/insects15010046The Microscopic Morphology of Mouthparts and Their Sensilla in the Mycophagous Ladybeetle <i>Illeis chinensis</i> (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)Ke Wang0Yuanyuan Lu1Ming Bai2Yuanxing Sun3Yanan Hao4Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, ChinaKey Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, ChinaKey Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, ChinaBiocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, ChinaBiocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, ChinaThe morphological diversity of insect mouthparts is closely related to changes in food sources and diets. Research into the structures of insect mouthparts may help to establish a fundamental basis for a better understanding of insect feeding mechanisms. In this study, we examined the fine morphology of the mouthparts of <i>Illeis chinensis</i> using scanning electron microscopy. We paid particular attention to the types, quantities, and distribution of sensilla on the mouthparts. Our results showed that the basic components of the mouthparts of <i>I. chinensis</i> are the same as those in other lady beetles, i.e., the labrum, mandible, maxillae, labium, and hypopharynx. We also found structural specialization indicating adaptation to fungal feeding. On the mouthparts, there are eight kinds of sensilla and two kinds of glandular structures, including sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, sensilla styloconica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla campaniformia, sensilla placodea, sensilla digitiformia, Böhm bristles, perforated plates, and cuticular pores. This is the first time that sensilla digitiformia has been reported in ladybirds. Finally, variations in mouthparts among ladybirds with differing diets, as well as the putative functions of each of the mouthparts and sensilla, were discussed. This research can provide a reference for understanding the functions of the mouthparts in ladybird feeding behavior and thereby contribute to the development of precise insect behavior regulation and management strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/15/1/46fine morphologymouthpartssensilla<i>Illeis chinensis</i>scanning electron microscopy |
| spellingShingle | Ke Wang Yuanyuan Lu Ming Bai Yuanxing Sun Yanan Hao The Microscopic Morphology of Mouthparts and Their Sensilla in the Mycophagous Ladybeetle <i>Illeis chinensis</i> (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Insects fine morphology mouthparts sensilla <i>Illeis chinensis</i> scanning electron microscopy |
| title | The Microscopic Morphology of Mouthparts and Their Sensilla in the Mycophagous Ladybeetle <i>Illeis chinensis</i> (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) |
| title_full | The Microscopic Morphology of Mouthparts and Their Sensilla in the Mycophagous Ladybeetle <i>Illeis chinensis</i> (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) |
| title_fullStr | The Microscopic Morphology of Mouthparts and Their Sensilla in the Mycophagous Ladybeetle <i>Illeis chinensis</i> (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Microscopic Morphology of Mouthparts and Their Sensilla in the Mycophagous Ladybeetle <i>Illeis chinensis</i> (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) |
| title_short | The Microscopic Morphology of Mouthparts and Their Sensilla in the Mycophagous Ladybeetle <i>Illeis chinensis</i> (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) |
| title_sort | microscopic morphology of mouthparts and their sensilla in the mycophagous ladybeetle i illeis chinensis i coleoptera coccinellidae |
| topic | fine morphology mouthparts sensilla <i>Illeis chinensis</i> scanning electron microscopy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/15/1/46 |
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