ARS | Publication request: SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF THE ANTENNA AND MAXILLARY PALPAL PIT OF CULICOIDES HOLLENSIS AND C. MELLEUS

Submitted to: Journal of Medical Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 23, 1997
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: This study was conducted to determine the types and distribution of sensory structures on the antennae and maxillary palps of two species of biting midge associated with estuarine areas. These sensory structures are used to detect odors emanating from human and animal hosts. This new data will aid in understanding the sensory behavior of these medically important pests. The knowledge gained will help in the design of future behavioral studies utilizing attractants. This in turn will help in the development of attractant-based biting midge pest management strategies which will result in less reliance on chemical pesticides to achieve control.

Technical Abstract: By means of scanning electron microscopy, the types and arrangement of the sensilla on the antennae and maxillary palps of two estuarine associated species of biting midges, Culicoides hollensis and C. melleus, have been determined. These data were compared to data obtained from previously published light and electron microscopical studies of biting midge sensory structures.