Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies of Antennal Receptors of the Worker Honey Bee,1 including Sensilla Campaniformia2

Abstract

The sensory receptors of the flagellum of worker honey bees were studied with the scanning electron microscope. The various types of sensilla present on the flagellum are illustrated. The sensillum campaniform, not previously reported to be present on the antennal flagella of honey bees is illustrated and discussed. The presence of this sense organ on at least 9 of the 10 segments of the flagellum suggests that its function is not olfactory, because it is known that olfaction is lost upon amputation of the 8 distal segments. Also campaniform sensilla, in general, are considered to be mechanoreceptors. The possibility that the campaniform sensilla are sensitive to temperature, CO2, humidity, or a combination of these factors is discussed. Comparative studies of the sensory receptors of Apis mellifera ligustica (Spinola) and Apis mellifera adansonii (Latreille) revealed very few, if any, differences.