Zoomorphology (1982) 101:177-186 Zoomorphology

© Springer-Verlag 1982

Fine Structure of a Mandibular Stretch Receptor

in ThripsphysapusL. (Thysanoptera, Insecta) *
Klaus Honomichl**
Institut fiir Zoologie der Universit/it Mainz, Saarstr. 21, D-6500 Mainz,
Bundesrepublik Deutschland

Summary. Only one non-ciliary proprioceptor is developed on the mandi-

ble 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.

A. Introduction

Ciliary and non-ciliary neurones take part in proprioceptors of arthropods.

They differ in structure and number of their dendrites. Non-ciliary neurones
never possess a ciliary-like arrangement of microtubuli and are mostly multi-
polar. Their numerous dendritic terminations make contact with a special
muscle or a connective tissue strand, or they embrace epithelial cells around
their bases. They never show any special differentiation. The mechanism
of stimulus transduction is supposed to rest upon a very slight deformation
of the dendritic tips.
Although the non-ciliary neurones are formed rather uniformly, it has
become apparent in the last few years, that the way of fixation of the
dendrites and the formation of the accessory structures seem to be extremely
multifarious. So it should be interesting to study the fine structure of these
organs.
* This 'study is dedicated to Mrs. Signe Ulmer, in memory of her winning nature, her invalu-
able assistance, and her discipline
** Supported by a grant from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Ho 826/2-2)

0340-6725/82/0101/0177/$02.00
178 K. Honomichl

This paper belongs to a series of studies about the non-ciliary propriocep-

tors on the mandible of insects. It will contribute to a better understanding
of the movement and evolution of the mandible.

B. Materials and Methods

Adult specimens of Thripsphysapus L. were studied. Before fixation, the animals were immersed
in buffer and cut in the region of the thorax. Fixation of the heads took place in 3.5%
osmium tetroxide with Michaelis buffer (I:1, pH 7.4; for 1 h at 4° C; Bode 1975). The fixed
heads were dehydrated in a graded ethanol series, followed by propylene oxide, and embedded
in Araldite. The sections were stained with lead citrate and examined in a Hitachi H 600.
The reconstructions were performed after a method described by Honomichl (1975).

C. Results
Like all Thysanoptera, Thripsphysapus has only one mandible on the left
side of the head. Accordingly an organ, which could be stimulated by the
motion of the mandible, is only formed on this side (Fig. 1). It consists

r md

sr

md

mx p

pgl

Ib p

Fig. 1. Position of the tentorio-mandibular stretch receptor (sr). Reconstruction by serial sec-
tions (TEM), in connection with a scanning electron microscopic picture and transparent
total specimens, lb p labial palp, rnd mandible, rnx p maxillar palp, p g l paraglossa, r m d
musculus retractor mandibulae, t tentorium; the circle indicates the position of the mandibular
articulation. Bar: 50 Ixm