Abstract:

The typology, number, morphology and placement of antennal sensilla of click beetle (Melanotus cribricollis Faldermann) were studied using a scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the antennae on both the males and females were composed of the scape, pedicel and nine flagellomeres. There were eight types of antennal sensilla on the antennae of the females, that is, sensilla trichodea (including two subtypes: TⅠand TⅡ), sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica (including three subtypes: BⅠ-BⅢ), sensilla knee-bend shaped, sensilla hook-shaped, sensilla screw cap, sensilla campaniformia and Böhm sensilla. The antennae of the male had one more type of grooved pegs besides the above-mentioned eight types. By vital statistics, the most sensilla numbers on the adult antennae in turn belonged to TⅡ, Ch and B, respectively. There were no significant differences in the total number and placement of antennal sensilla (except grooved pegs) on the female and male. The possible functions of the above sensilla types were discussed in light of the morphology, number and distribution of sensilla.

Key words: Melanotus cribricollis, antennal morphology, typology of sensilla, placement of sensilla, function of sensilla, SEM