A SEM study of antennal and maxillary sensilla in Zema gressitti Fennah (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae).

The sensory organs on the antennae and maxillary plates of Zema gressitti Fennah (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae) are studied using scanning electron microscopy. Four types of antennal sensilla are reported: trichoid sensilla on the antennal scape and antennal pedicel, plate organs on the antennal pedicel, campaniform sensilla on the antennal scape and antennal pedicel, and coeloconic sensilla in Bourgoin's organ on the antennal flagellum. Cuticular denticles and cuticular microtubercles are also present on the antennal pedicel. On the maxillary plates, three campaniform sensilla are discovered. Additionally, Evans' organs are described as placoid sensilla sunk into deep cuticular cavities on the maxillae below the antennae. The morphology of the sensory equipments in this species is provided for possible use in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies within the Tropiduchidae and Fulgoromorpha.