Structure of dactyl sensilla in the kelp crab, Pugettia producta

In the kelp crab, Pugettia producta, flat plate setae cover all but the ventral surfaces of the walking leg dactyls. Dendrites enter the setal shaft located inside the plate superstructure, and extend to a region of the setal tip that contains a system of minute pores resembling the pore systems found in chemosensory sensilla of insects. Presumably, much of the chemosensitivity of the dactyls in the kelp crab is mediated by the plate setae. In the interior of the dactyl, supporting cells and the neurons innervating plate setae, other types of setae, and other presumptive sensilla form scolopidia. Large scolopidia, containing as many as 12 dendrites, appear to innervate some of the plate setae and also large ventral rodlike setae that might be chemosensory. Two of the dendrites of large scolopidia usually have more densely packed microtubules, longer ciliary axonemes, slightly larger rootlets, and dark A fibers with arms, characteristics indicative of mechanosensory function. Some dactyl setae, therefore, could be both mechanosensory and chemosensory. Small scolopidia containing two or three dendrites that exhibit mechanosensory characteristics appear to innervate small, rodlike setae, which presumably are strictly mechanosensory. The two types of structures located on the epicuticular cap, elliptical structures resembling campaniform sensilla and small cones in pits resembling CAP organs, appear to be dually innervated and presumably are mechanosensory, although other functions are possible. The internal positions of the scolopidia, together with the support afforded by an extracellular dendritic sheath, by the scolopale, and by desmosomelike and septate junctions, may serve to protect internal portions of setal dendrites, some of which appear to remain functional in nonmolting adults that have abraded setae.