LAUSR

Stenachroia elongella is an important pest of maize in Meghalaya, India. To understand the roles of sensory organs in the biological behaviors of this insect, we determined the structure and distribution of sensilla found on the antenna of both male and female S. elongella by scanning electron microscope. The antenna of both sexes is a filiform type, and the overall length of the female antenna is significantly longer than the male antenna. In both sexes, seven types and two subtypes of antennal sensilla are identified; sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla styloconica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla auricillica (I, II), sensilla squamiformia and Böhm sensilla. No sexual dimorphism on the specific occurrence of sensilla is observed. Probable functions are discussed based on their external morphology. These results would be helpful for further studies on TEM investigations, electrophysiological recordings, and behavioral studies.