Ultrastructural and Descriptive Study on the Adult Body Surface of Heortia vitessoides (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The identification of the ultrastructure on the surface of insects serves as the foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying their perception of various environmental cues. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the morphology, type, and distribution of sensilla on the antennae, mouthparts, and legs of the economically significant pest, Heortia vitessoides, which feeds on the valuable plant Aquilaria sinensis. Furthermore, we conducted a comparative analysis to assess the differences in sensillum characteristics, quantity, and distribution between male and female individuals. ABSTRACT: Heortia vitessoides Moore, 1885 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an economically important lepidopteran pest that caused severe damage to the plantation area of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg, 1825 (Thymelaeaceae), resulting in extensive defoliation of the trees during an epidemic. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the external morphology and ultrastructure of sensilla on various body parts of H. vitessoides. Specifically, seven, four, four, and five types of sensilla were found, respectively, on the antennae, proboscis, labial palps, and legs. We described the types, distributions, and sexual dimorphism of these sensilla on antennae, and found that the number and size of sensilla differed significantly between males and females. This study provides crucial information for future investigations into the function of these sensilla in H. vitessoides.