The External Morphology of Foretarsal Receptors Involved with Host Discrimination by the Nymphalid Butterfly, Chlosyne lacinia

I used the scanning electron microscope to investigate the tarsal receptors of the female butterfly, Chlosyne lacinia . Two kinds of receptors are present; trichoid sensilla associated with the tarsal spines, and setae located in a pit on the dorsal surface. The possible means of interaction between these receptors and the host-plant leaf surface are discussed.