Micromorphology of the proboscis sensilla of Maniola jurtina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

Abstract

Lepidoptera is the most suitable insect order to comprehend the connections between nutrition and mouthparts. The proboscis, which is typically tightly coiled between the labial palps, is a flexible organ used by most adult butterflies for extracting flower nectar and other liquids. We examined the proboscis structure and sensilla of Maniola jurtina Linn. by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to contribute to the relationship between food selection and proboscis structure in Satyrinae Sensilla chaetica (s. trichodea) of various lengths is the most common species along the proboscis. Sensilla styloconica is of pluricarinate type. It is densely located only in the distal region and is in rows. It has a long quill with 6 ribs (flat protrusions) and a relatively short nail. In the study, sensilla lengths were compared with the sensilla lengths of some other lepidopteran species.