THE SENSORY ORGANS OF THE MOSQUITO ANTENNA

Authors:
  • CSC. C. Steward
    C. C. Steward
  • CAC. E. Atwood
    C. E. Atwood
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Abstract
Using Aedes aegypti (L.) as the chief example, an account of the adult mosquito antenna, male and female, is given, and the different types of setae found thereon are described. Two of these, called types A1 and A3, are, respectively, sensilla trichoidea and sensilla basiconica; they are located chiefly at the distal end of the antenna and diminish in numbers towards its base. Type A2 setae are also sensilla trichoidea, but are smaller than type A1; they are most numerous at the base of the antenna and diminish in numbers towards the distal end. The total number of these three types is over 600 on each antenna in A. aegypti. At the tip of the antenna there are two sensilla campaniformia. Another type of seta, called A4, consisting of sensilla coeloconica, has been found so far only on the antenna of Anopheles spp. There are also two types of sensilla chaetica, making altogether seven different kinds of setae found on the mosquito antenna. Experiments with A. aegypti indicate that type A1 setae may mediate attractive odors such as that of the human hand, while type A2 setae may mediate repellent odors such as that of "612". The possible functions of the other setae are briefly considered.

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