Comparative analysis of antennal fine structure of Goniagnathus punctifer, Stirellus yeongnamensis and Stirellus indrus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)

The morphology of the antennae of adult specimens of Goniagnathus punctifer (Walker, 1858), Stirellus yeongnamensis (Kwon and Lee, 1979) and Stirellus indrus (Distant, 1908) was studied using SEM (scanning electron microscope). The antennae of these three leafhopper species are similar overall to antennae of other leafhoppers, consisting of three segments: a short scape, a cylindrical pedicel and an elongate, hair-like flagellum. Five kinds of sensilla are found on G. punctifer, including two types of sensilla trichodea (St I and St II), two types of sensilla basiconica (Sb I and Sb II), one type of sensilla chaetica (Sch I), two types of sensilla coeloconica (Sco I and Sco II), and one type of sensilla campaniformia (Sca I). Sensilla on the 1st and 2nd flagellomere of male G. punctifer tentatively identified as Sb II have a unique shape not yet observed in other leafhoppers. Five kinds of sensilla are found on S. yeongnamensis, including two types of sensilla trichodea (St I and St II), one type of sensilla basiconica (Sb I), two types of sensilla chaetica (Sch I and Sch II), one type of sensilla coeloconica (Sco I), and two types of sensilla campaniformia (Sca I and Sca II). Five kinds of sensilla are found on S. indrus, including two types of sensilla trichodea (St I and St II), one type of sensilla basiconica (Sb I), two types of sensilla chaetica (Sch I and Sch II), two types of sensilla coeloconica (Sco I and Sco II) and one type of sensilla campaniformia (Sca II). The antennal surfaces of these three leafhopper species also have large numbers of brochosomes and squamiform denticles. No significant differences in antennal morphology were observed between males and females of Stirellus Osborn and Ball, 1902. A table summarizing types and locations of antennal sensilla in previously studied leafhoppers is provided.