Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Pages: 171-177

Journal: Arthropod Structure & Development

Volume number: 46

Issue number: 2

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asd.2016.12.001

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 

Multiple mechanosensory organs form the subgenual organ complex in
orthopteroid insects, located in the proximal tibia. In several Ensifera
(Orthoptera), a small chordotonal organ, the so-called accessory organ,
is the most posterior part of this sensory complex. In order to
document the presence of this accessory organ among the Ensifera, the
chordotonal sensilla and their innervation in the posterior tibia of two
species of Jerusalem crickets (Stenopelmatidae: Stenopelmatus)
is described. The sensory structures were stained by axonal tracing.
Scolopidial sensilla occur in the posterior subgenual organ and the
accessory organ in all leg pairs. The accessory organ contains 10–17
scolopidial sensilla. Both groups of sensilla are commonly spatially
separated. However, in few cases neuronal fibres occurred between both
organs. The two sensillum groups are considered as separate organs by
the general spatial separation and innervation by different nerve
branches. A functional role for mechanoreception is considered: since
the accessory organ is located closely under the cuticle, sensilla may
be suited to detect vibrations transferred over the leg's surface. This
study extends the known taxa with an accessory organ, which occurs in
several taxa of Ensifera. Comparative neuroanatomy thus suggests that
the accessory organ may be conserved at least in Tettigoniidea.

Harvard Citation style: Strauß, J. (2017) The scolopidial accessory organ in the Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae), Arthropod Structure & Development, 46(2), pp. 171-177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asd.2016.12.001

APA Citation style: Strauß, J. (2017). The scolopidial accessory organ in the Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae). Arthropod Structure & Development. 46(2), 171-177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asd.2016.12.001