Antennal olfactory sensilla of the parasitoid fly, Pseudoperichaeta nigrolineata Walker (Diptera: Tachinidae)

The antennal sensilla of male and female Pseudoperichaeta nigrolineata Walker (Diptera:Tachinidae) were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Five types of sensilla were identified on the funicle. The trichoid sensilla are most conspicuous, with a characteristic distal curvature and wall pores. Basiconic types I and II sensilla show a small peg with a pitted surface. Basiconic type III sensilla can be distinguished from the preceding ones by the swelling of the distal region of the peg. The function of these sensilla is likely to be olfactory. Coeloconic sensilla consist of a short grooved peg sunk in a socket. The number and distribution of the sensilla of each type are described. Female antennae bear more basiconic sensilla than those of males. These results are compared with previously published studies on other muscoid species. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.