6533b7ddfe1ef96bd12746a4

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Fine structure of a mandibular stretch receptor in Thrips physapus L. (Thysanoptera, Insecta)

subject

description

Only one non-ciliary proprioceptor is developed on the mandible of Thrips. It consists of two bipolar, multiterminal sense cells, the dendrites of which form a strand extended between the tentorium and the back mandibular margin. The dendritic terminals are embedded in an electron-dense, homogeneous matrix, which obviously represents the stimulus transmitting structure. The strand is stretched, if the mandible is moved forwards and upwards. In Thrips, the system of proprioceptors monitoring the mandibular movement is reduced extensively compared with other pterygote insects. This is linked up with the far-reaching reduction of the mobility of the mandible itself.