Microstructure of the antennal sensory organs in female millipede Oxidus gracilis (Polydesmida: Paradoxomatidae)

The fine structural characteristics of the antennal sensory organs of a female millipede Oxidus gracilis (Polydesmida: Paradoxomatidae) were observed with both field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We could identify four apical cones and three basic types of antennal sensillae in a. gracilis as follows: chaetiform sensilla (CS), trichoid sensilla (TS) and basiconic sensilla (BS). Of these, both types of CS and TS can be observed throughout all antennal segments except the terminal 8th article, whereas the BS are observed within the cuticular depressed regions of the articles from the 5th to the 7th segment. According to their relative microstructure and location, the BS arc divided further into three subtypes: large ($BS_1$) small ($BS_2$) and spiniform ($BS_3$). The $BS_1$ can be seen on the 5th article only, while $BS_2$ can be seen on the 5th and 6th articles. The $BS_3$ is characteristically seen within the depressive region of the 7th article. Both the CS and TS of O. gracilis are similar in structure, and they are related to the function of mechanical reception; however, four large apical cones (AP) and three subtypes of BS are likely to function in gustatory and olfactory reception.