Antennal sense organs of Phthiraptera (Insecta) - scanning electron microscopy of several species of Anoplura

Although earlier studies have shown the sensory equipment of some species of Anoplura, the objective of the current study is to provide further information on the species already studied, Haematopinus suis, H. eurystermus, H. asini, to report findings regarding the sensory equipment of other species not studied until now, such as Linognathus setosus, L. stenopsis, L. vituli and Solenopotes sp. and to make a comparative study of the sensilla and the sensilla terms used by the authors who have researched this group and related groups of Phthiraptera. Antennae were investigated using scanning electron microscopy to describe the types, morphology, and distribution of sensory structures. Fixation was carried out with 70% ethyl alcohol and dehydration by lyophilization. The apex of the fifth antennal segment always had sense pegs. The number, shape and size differed for all species studied. The sensillar complex of antennal segment V was formed by one sensilla coeloconica and at least one pore organ. The sensillar complex of antennal segment IV was formed by a sensilla coeloconica near to a sensilla trichoidea. Sensilla campaniformia were only found in the first and second antennal segments.