Antennal sensillae of five stored-product psocids pests (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae)

Psocids are important pests of stored-products. In this study, the external morphology, types, and distribution of antennal sensillae in both male and female adults of five psocid species, Liposcelis bostrychophila, L. entomophila, L. tricolor, L. decolor, and L. paeta (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) using scanning electron microscopy. The filiform antennae of the liposcelids are made up of the scape, pedicel, and a long flagellum composed of thirteen flagellomeres. Four morphological types of sensillae are recorded in both male and female species, including Böhm bristles, chaetal sensillae, microtrichial sensillae, and basiconic sensillae. The abundance and distribution of four of these sensilla types on the antennae of male and female are not significantly different in the five psocids species studied. In addition, the possible functions of the above sensilla types are discussed in light of previously published literature; mechanoreception (Böhm bristles and microtrichial sensillae) and olfaction (chaetal and basiconic sensillae). Future functional antennal morphology and electrophysiological studies are needed to confirm these proposed functions.