MECHANORECEPTORS OF THE APHID LABIUM

Morphological evidence is provided for a mechanoreceptive function of the labial tip receptors, as well as of two newly described receptors in the stylet groove. Electrophysiological tip recording techniques could not demonstrate a neural response due to chemical stimulation of the tip sensilla, the larger labial hairs or the stylet tips. It is concluded that there are only mechanoreceptors present on the aphid mouthparts.