@article{GUO2026, 
author = {Ji-Xing GUO and Li-Nan DENG and Zhe-Yuan XU and Qi WU and Xiang ZHOU},
title = {Ultrastructural observation of the ovipositor and its sensilla of Tirathaba rufivena Walker},
year = {2026},
journal = {Journal of Environmental Entomology},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {318-324},
keywords = {Tirathaba rufivena Walker, ovipositor, sensilla, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.3969/j.issn.1674-0858.2026.01.33},
doi = {10.3969/j.issn.1674-0858.2026.01.33},
abstract = {AimTirathaba rufivena Walker is an important pest of palm plants, such as coconut, areca palm, and oil palm. The ovipositor and its sensilla in female adults may play crucial roles in locating suitable oviposition sites.MethodsIn this study, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe and analyze the morphological structure of the ovipositor and the sensilla on it.ResultsThe ovipositor of T. rufivena was found to be a telescopic tubular structure formed by the specialization of the 8th to 10th abdominal segments. Four types of sensilla chaetica on the ovipositor were identified. Sensilla chaetica I and II were long, slender, hair-like structures that were straight and sturdy, located on the anal papillae and the 8th abdominal segment, respectively, and were relatively long. Sensilla chaetica III was shorter than I and II, but its length varies significantly, with visible dendritic structures inside. Sensilla chaetica IV was sturdy with blunt, porous tips, mainly distributed on the outer edge of the anal papillae's dorsal surface. Additionally, numerous microtrichia were widely distributed on the ovipositor.ConclusionThis study contributes to the further understanding of the oviposition behavior mechanism of T. rufivena and provides a scientific basis for developing green control methods such as plant-derived attractants and oviposition deterrents.}
}