The nature and development of sex attractant specificity in cockroaches of the genus Periplaneta. I. Sexual dimorphism in the distribution of antennal sense organs in five species

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism in the distribution of antennal sense organs is common among adults of the genus Periplaneta. In three out of the four strains of Periplaneta americana examined, adult males had more contact chemoreceptros than females. In the fourth strain of P. americana and in P. australasiae, P. brunnea, P. fuliginosa, and P. japonica, no statistically supportable sexual dimorphism of contact chemoreceptors was found. However, in all strains and species of Periplaneta examined, sexual dimorphism was found in the total number and/or density of olfactory sensilla. Male adults had nearly twice as many olfactory sensilla as female adults. These observations are consistent with the behavioral observation that males within the genus Periplaneta rely on the reception of an airborne pheromone for the initiation of courtship behavior. In P. americana, where sexual dimorphism was found in the contact chemoreceptors, contact stimuli release the full wing raising display and presentation in males during courtship.

Distribution patterns and morphology of sensilla on the apical segment of the antennae and palpi of Hydradephaga (Coleoptera: adephaga)

“…Three specimens of each species except Amphizoa lecontei were stained with the silver nitrate technique of Schafer and Sanchez (1976) to determine porous cuticular areas of the palpal and antennal sensilla. These specimens were also used to make measurements of the sensilla with a compound microscope that had a calibrated ocular micrometer.…”

Antennal Development in the Praying Mantis (Tenodera aridifolia) Highlights Multitudinous Processes in Hemimetabolous Insect Species

“…In cockroaches ( Periplaneta americana ), males detect sex pheromones released by females, but the antennae of both sexes are almost identical on the surface [17]. Their antennal dimorphism lies in more abundant sensilla responding to sex-pheromones in males, which appear during the final molting [37]. Although the cockroaches use sex pheromones during mating behavior, males have to search for females only over a short distance because of their aggregated lifestyle.…”

Chemoreception in four species of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnida): behavioural and morphological evidence

“…Four females and four males of each species were prepared for each of the following techniques: light microscopy (LM) and scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. For LM, specimens were stained with silver nitrate in order to detect pores in the cuticle of the cuticular sensory receptors (Schafer and Sanchez, 1976). Half strength Karnovsky's (1965) fixative in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.2, was used for SEM and TEM.…”