Morphological diversity of the sensilla of the larval mouthparts among three species of Corydalidae (Insecta, Megaloptera) with reference to their possible functions

Sensory structures on the mouthparts surface of three species of Corydalidae (Insecta, Megaloptera), Acanthacorydalis asiatica, Neoneuromus ignobilis and Protohermes similis , have been studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. They were studied to morphologically characterize and compare the sensory structures present on the mouthparts. The identified sensilla types were sensilla basiconica (SB), fin-like sensilla (FLS), sensilla trichodea (ST), sensilla peg (SP), sensilla styloconica (SS), sensilla chaetica (SCh), and forficate sensilla (FS). The potential functions of these sensilla were discussed in relation to their morphology and location. Additionally, cuticular process (CP), small spine-shaped projections (sp) and cuticular pores (cp) were identified in the sensory regions of the studied species. Morphological comparisons revealed significant diversity in the sensilla of larval mouthparts among the three species, but there may be similarities in function.