AN UNUSUAL SENSE RECEPTOR IN INTERNAL ANTENNAL VESICLES OF PTOMAPHAGUS (COLEOPTERA: LEIODIDAE)

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Abstract
Cleared slide mounts of antennae of 30 species of Ptomaphagus beetles showed two internal sensory vesicles in segments 7, 9, and 10. The vesicles were of similar size in each segment except in segment 7 of cavernicolous species. SEM study showed a narrow circular opening in the distal face of segments 7, 9, and 10 which opens into a widened circular canal inside of and under the segment’s distal surface. Sensory vesicles are pockets in the bottom of this canal. The canal and vesicles are predominantly lined with a unique type of fluted sensilla basiconicum. These sensilla are more elongated and more numerous in cavernicolous species. The origin and evolution of the sensilla and vesicles are discussed.