Sense Organs in the Ovipositor of Biosteres (Opius) longicaudatus,1 a Parasite of the Caribbean Fruit Fly Anastrepha suspensa2,3

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Abstract
Two types of sensilla were observed in the ovipositor of Biosteres (Opius) longicaudatus Ashmead (Braconidae) using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanoreceptor sensilla found buried in the wall of the ovipositor along its length may serve as proprioceptors, providing information on the degree and angle of bending of the ovipositor. In addition, dome-shaped (DS) sensilla were observed at the tip of the ovipositor. Each DS sensillum is perforated by a 500 Å diam pore and is innervated by 2 bipolar neurons, including one presumably chemosensory cell that communicates with the pore, and one deeper, apparently mechanosensory, neuron. The mechanoreceptor cell may respond to tactile stimulation, whereas the chemoreceptor cell may detect ovipositor-promoting and deterring substances associated with suitable and unsuitable hosts.

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