Flagellar sensilla of Quadraspidiotus perniciosus Comstock (Rhynchota: Diaspididae) male.

The flagellar sensory structures of Quadraspidiotus perniciosus Comstock (Rhynchota: Diaspididae) male have been investigated, using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Five categories of sensilla have been identified: three types of sensilla trichodea, a sensillum coeloconicum and a sensillum basiconicum. The possible function of sensilla is discussed, considering their location, morphology and ultrastructure. No gustatory sensilla have been detected. All the setae (sensilla trichodea) present on the flagellomeres, except for the three 'knobbed' ones that are mechanosensilla, are cuticular components of olfactory structures. These olfactory sensilla are of two distinct types, having fluted or smooth hairs; furthermore, the fluted ones present different typologies for a varied number of dendrites. They are conceivably used for perceiving female sexual pheromone. It might be that each of the different components of the female sexual pheromone is perceived by a specific sensillum. Two types of supposed thermo-hygroreceptors have been found, one sensillum coeloconicum and two sensilla basiconica.