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Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Proboscis and Associated Sensilla in Colias erate (Esper, 1805) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)
1
School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
2
School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
3
School of Food Science and Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Insects 2024, 15(12), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15120922
Submission received: 29 September 2024
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Revised: 21 November 2024
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Accepted: 23 November 2024
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Published: 25 November 2024
Simple Summary
In this study, we investigated the fine structure of the proboscis and its associated sensilla in adult Colias erate (Esper, 1805). The results show that the elongated proboscis is structurally similar in both sexes, with external features supporting its division into three distinct regions (zones 1–3). Three types of sensilla, comprising five subtypes, were identified in the proboscis. The uniformly short, aporous sensilla chaetica likely represents an adaptation to reduce friction when the proboscis extends into deep and narrow floral corollas. A single sensillum styloconicum is located at the apex of each galea, consistent with observations in other Colias species. This study provides a morphological basis for understanding the feeding mechanisms of Pieridae.
Abstract
Morphological studies of the proboscis can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary adaptations of Lepidoptera. However, such research is relatively limited for Pieridae, a family that is significant both ecologically and economically. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate the proboscis and associated sensilla of adult C. erate, with an emphasis on ultrastructural details and potential sex-specific differences. The proboscis in both sexes exhibits a similar structure, consisting of two elongated maxillary galeae connected by dorsal and ventral legulae. It is divided into three distinct zones based on morphological changes in the dorsal legulae. The outer surface of the proboscis is characterized by spike-like microbumps on transverse ridges, while the inner surface (food canal) is smooth throughout all three zones, with regularly spaced transverse grooves. Three types of sensilla comprising five subtypes were identified: sensilla chaetica (sc), sensilla basiconica (sb1, sb2, and sb3), and sensilla styloconica (ss). The functional implications of these morphological features are also discussed briefly .
Keywords:
mouthparts; ultrastructure; SEM; feeding habit; functional morphology
