Sense organs on the head of larvae of some Elateridae (Coleoptera): Their distribution, structure, innervation and histochemistry

Zacharuk, Russell Yaroslaw (1962) Sense organs on the head of larvae of some Elateridae (Coleoptera): Their distribution, structure, innervation and histochemistry. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

1. The number and pattern of certain thick-walled hairs in the post-gular region of the neck and on the antennae and labial palpi are useful characters in the major classification of larval Elateridae. 2. Three varieties of thick-walled hairs and four varieties of campaniform organs are differentiated on the basis of structure, distribution, and probable differences in function. The pore canal organ is a new type of sensllla not previously described from insects. The complex structure of the antennal sensory appendix indicates that it also is not closely related to any type of sensilla in current classifications. 3. The various types of sensilla may be innervated by single or groups of individual neurones, or by units of two or four neurones, but the three regions of their distal nerve processes are homologous among the sensllla. 4. Individual neurones or units of neurones shed sheaths at each moult. The portion from the distal process is a heavy cuticular sheath, while that from the cyton and axon is a delicate subcuticular sheath. A junction body connects the two near the base of the distal process. The exuvial sheaths are basically homologous among the various types of sensilla. 5. Wireworms possess a peripheral mandibular association centre (ganglion) not previously described from insects. There is also a complex of interconnections among the main peripheral nerves and between these and the stomodaeal nervous system. 6. The sensory axons from the cutaneous sensilla and some of those in the stomodaeal nervous system are strongly positive to histochemical tests for cystine (eine). The axons of the efferent system and those from the ocelli lack this characteristic. 7. There is a similarity in the histochemical characteristics of the metabolites involved in the synthesis of parts of the sensilla and their neurones, and those involved in the synthesis of the cuticula. The synthesis of some of the former does not include some of the later stages involved in the synthesis of the latter. 8. Paraldehyde fuchsin used after oxidation of tissues with potassium permanganate serves to differentiate histologically certain sensory nerve fibres from other sensory fibres and from those of the efferent system.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: C BE Younge
• Keywords: Morphology
• Date of Award: 1962
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1962-73523
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• Last Modified: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/73523