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The effect of different host plants on the antennal and mouthparts sensilla of the larvae of Spodoptera littoralis; (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae)

Research Authors
Azza A. Awad, Ahmed M. Korayem, Mohamed A. M. Amr, Reham A. Aboelela
Research Abstract

The distribution and morphology of various sensory organs (sensilla) on the antenna and mouthparts of
Spodoptera littoralis larvae were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. In this study we focused on
the morphological alterations of the antennal and mouthparts sensilla of Spodoptera littoralis last instar
larvae reared on different host plants; alfalfa, cotton, and soybean leaves. Based on our results, we found that
sensillum chaeticum on the antenna was morphologically affected by shifting the host plant since it became longer in those larvae reared on soybean and alfalfa leaves when compared with those reared on cotton leaves. Furthermore, several morphological variations were observed in sensilla trichodea on the labium, mandibles, and labrum by shifting the host plant. In addition, clear morphological changes were observed in sensillum digitiformium on the maxillary palps due to changing the host plant. On the other hand, no morphological changes in antennal basiconic, trichodium and styloconic galeal sensilla styloconica, maxillary campaniform and placodeum sensilla were observed. Taken together, these results showed that shifting host plants of 
Spodoptera littoralis larvae induced plasticity and morphological changes of the antennal and mouthparts
sensilla.

Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences A. Entomology
Research Publisher
Egyptian Society for Biological Sciences, Department of Entomology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Shams University.
Research Vol
8(1)
Research Website
www.eajbs.eg.net
Research Year
2015
Research Pages
61-72