Afferent projections of infrared-sensitive sensilla in the beetle Melanophila acuminata (Coleoptera: Buprestidae).
Beetles of the genus Melanophila are able to detect infrared radiation by using specialized sensilla in their metathoracic pit organs. We describe the afferent projections of the infrared-sensitive neurons in the central nervous system. The axons primarily terminate in the central neuropil of the fused second thoracic ganglia where they establish putative contacts with ascending interneurons. Only a few collaterals appear to be involved in local (uniganglionic) circuits. About half of the neurons send their axons further anterior to the prothoracic ganglion. A subset of these ascend to the subesophageal ganglion, and about 10% project to the brain. Anatomical similarities suggest that the infrared-sensitive neurons are derived from neurons supplying mechanosensory sensilla. The arborization pattern of the infrared afferents suggests that infrared information is processed and integrated upstream from the thoracic ganglia.
Gronenberg
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Theodor Boveri Institut der Universität, Lehrstuhl für Verhaltensphysiologie und Soziobiologie, Würzburg, Germany. wulfi@neurobio.arizona.edu
Schmitz
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H
D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000528:radiation effects*; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000528:radiation effects; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000528:radiation effects*; D017952:Ganglia, Invertebrate / Q000528:radiation effects; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000528:radiation effects*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000528:radiation effects*; D019581:Neuropil / Q000528:radiation effects