Antennal Sensilla of Chrysis shanghalensis (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae), a Larval Ectoparasite of Monema flavescens (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)

Chrysis shanghalensis Smith (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae) is an ectoparasitoid and important natural enemy of Monema flavescens Walker (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), a serious defoliator of a number of tree species. The external morphology of the antennal sensilla of this parasitoid was examined by scanning electron microscopy, and types and distribution of sensilla were recorded. The antennae of C. shanghalensis were geniculate in shape and composed of a scape with radicula, a pedicel, and a flagellum divided into 11 flagellomeres in males and females. Cuticular pore and 14 types of sensilla were identified on the antennae of both sexes. These included aporous Bahm's bristles, sensilla trichodea 1, 2, and 3 (nonporous), sensilla trichodea 4 (multiporous), two types of sensilla chaetica (nonporous), four morphological types of sensilla basiconica (multiporous), two morphological types of sensilla coeloconica (multiporous), and one type of sensillum campaniforme (nonporous).

Automated summary

The external morphology of antennal sensilla of Chrysis shanghalensis was examined using scanning electron microscopy, revealing a geniculate shape and 14 different types of sensilla, including cuticular pore. These findings provide valuable insights into the sensory mechanisms of this ectoparasitoid.