Ultrastructure of adult Euagoras plagiatus Burmeister antennal sensilla

Insects rely on complex chemosensory systems to find mates and locate host plants. Antennal sensilla serve as crucial sites for receiving and transmitting stimuli, enabling insects to sense both internal and external environmental factors and to engage in chemical or physical communication. Euagoras plagiatus Burmeister is an important predatory natural enemy on tobacco, possessing notable research and economic value. However, reports on the antennal sensilla of E. plagiatus are currently scarce.

In this manuscript, we presented detailed observations of the antennal sensilla in both female and male adult E. plagiatus using scanning electron microscope (SEM).

The SEM results indicated that the antennae of male adults were longer than those of females. We identified nine types of sensilla on the antennae of female and male adult E. plagiatus. Notably, sensilla ligulate flaky, sensilla campaniformia, and sensilla furcatea were exclusive to females, while Böhm bristles Ⅲ were unique to males.

These findings revealed significant sexual dimorphism in the types of antennal sensilla present in female and male E. plagiatus, as well as differences in the number and abundance of antennal sensilla between genders. The results provide an important theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms underlying predation and mating behaviors.