Morphology and Distribution of Sensilla on Eretmocerus gunturiensis

Objective Classification, morphology, and distribution of sensilla on Eretmocerus gunturiensis were studied to better utilize the nature predator commonly found at tea plantations.

Method Under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), types, morphological characteristics, and distribution of various sensilla, such as antennae, compound eyes, mouthparts, ovipositors, forefoot tibia, and hind foot tibia, of the parasitic wasp, E. gunturiensis, were observed and classified.

Result Sensilla placodea (SP), sensilla trichodea (ST), sensillum ampullaceum (SA), sensilla chaeticum (SC), sensilla basiconica (SB), and Böhm bristles (BB) were found on the antennae. SB only existed between ommatidia of the compound eye, ST and SC on the mouthparts, ST on the upper jaw, and two SCs at the end of the mandibular palpus and labial palpus. The ovipositors had squamiformic sensillum (SS) and SC; the forefoot tibia was widely distributed with SCs; and the hind foot had mainly seiisma digit-like (Sdi) and ST.

Conclusion The SEM images detailed the appearance of various sensilla on E. gunturiensis which facilitated further studying on the function and mechanism of the organs and possible use of the wasp as a biocontrol agent against pests like Aleurocanthus spiniferus at tea plantations.