Morphological study using both light and scanning electron microscopy reveals systematic and ecological importance of antennal morphology in big-eyed bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Geocoridae)

Abstract Insects’ sensory organs (sensilla) are important structures responsible for reception of environmental stimuli, a majority of which are present on the antennae. The aim of this study was to analyze morphological types of antennal sensilla in selected species of big-eyed bugs (Geocoridae) to assess their relation to the systematics and ecology of the taxon. Main types of mechano-, chemo-, and thermo-hygroreceptive sensilla were observed in all the studied species. However, differences in the distribution patterns of sensilla were observed between two studied subfamilies. The study also revealed a cavity on distiflagellomere supporting the monophyly of the family. Its development and types of sensilla present might correspond to different ecological adaptations. More studies are needed to ultimately confirm this hypothesis.