Structure and distribution of sensilla on maxillary palps and labella of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) sand flies.

ABSTRACT

The typology, number, size, and distribution pattern of labellar and palpal sensilla of male and female Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva, 1912) sand flies were analyzed by scanning electron and light microscopy, contributing to the construction of a gustatory and olfactory map in this important vector species. About 35 trichoid sensilla, sorted into three different classes according to their lengths, are present on the two labellar lobes. Five distinct structures are observed in the maxillary palps, which could be classified as noninnervated (microtrichia and scales) or the following innervated structures 1) campaniform sensilla, found near the distal end of palpal segments II and III; 2) multiporous capitate peg sensilla, found in reduced number (1-6) on segment II, but located in a group of 15-25 on the distal third part of segment III; and 3) trichoid sensilla, distributed linearly on segment IV and spirally on segment V. Light microscopy analysis of silver-stained specimens indicated the presence of pores in the trichoid sensilla and their chemosensory function is discussed, as well as the possible function of the other sensilla.