Characterization of Antennal Sensilla of Male Adult Mulberry Silkmoth, Bombyx mori L.

Abstract

The antennal sensilla plays a critical role in chemosensation, tactile perception, and environmental interaction, facilitating the modulation of essential behaviours during its life. The present study provides a comprehensive characterization of the antennal sensilla of the male adult mulberry silk moth, Bombyx mori L. using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sensilla present on antenna of male adults were identified and classified as Böhm bristles and sensilla trichoidea are found on the scape and pedicel. The flagellum consists of sensilla chaetica (SCH), sensilla trichoidea (ST), sensilla trichoidea curvata (STC), sensilla basiconica (SB), sensilla squamiformia (SQU) and sensilla styloconica (SS). Sensilla trichoidea is further divided into sensilla trichoidea-I (ST-I) and sensilla trichoidea-II (ST-II). The flagellum contains SCH, ST-I, ST-II, STC, SB-I, SB-II, SQU, SS, SC and microtrichia in males. Morphological features, including size, shape, and distribution patterns have also been described.