Scanning electron microscopic study of antenna of Alphitobius diaperinus (lesser mealworm beetle)

Abstract

The dorsal surface of Alphitobius diaperinus bears sensilla in number that is basiconica, chaetica, tricoidea and coeloconic sensilla present on the surface of antenna. Antenna is short and serrate form of antennae, because of triangular in shape the free ends of the segment freely on one side which appear as the teeth of saw. Antenna is 11 segmented shiny antennae are short with the terminal segment lighter in colour. Length is 5.8 to 6.3 mm, eyes are emarginated. The elytra have finely punctured striae that are mildly impressed. The lesser mealworm has a dark reddish-brown body with a prominent apex and a horizontal prosternal process between the coxae. There are distinguished four types of sensilla on Alphitobius diaperinus. Coeloconica, tricoidea and basiconica sensilla were found on the last segment of antenna. Some but (not sufficient) differences were found in the number of antennal sensilla. Antenna of Alphitobius diaperinus is serrate type and 11segmented. The antenna has three enlarged segments at the end. Antennae front and middle tarsi are 5-segmented and hind tarsi 4-segmented There are some raw of deep pits on their wing covers. Whole insect measured from its dorsal and ventral view under scanning electron microscope. Antennal segments are measured by scanning electron microscopy four type of sensilla form are found like basiconica sensilla, chaetica sensilla, trichoidea sensilla and coeloconic sensilla were observed under scanning electron microscopy.

Keywords: lesser mealworm, Alphitobius, diaperinus, electron microscopy

Cite this Article: Rajesh S. Mankar. Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Antenna of Alphitobius Diaperinus (Lesser Mealworm Beetle). International Journal of Animal Biotechnology and Applications. 2020; 6(2): 24–28p.