Work

Ultrastructural Analysis of Johnston’s Organ and Brain Organization in Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Insects rely on a variety of sensory cues for orientation, with antennae playing a central role in receiving and transmitting information about the environment. Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), a spittlebug and vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, has reduced number of antennal sensilla, yet demonstrates effective multimodal commu-nication through olfactory and vibrational signals. This study aimed to investigate how the simplified sensory system of P. spumarius relates to the primary neuropils of the brain. We examined the ultrastructural organization of Johnston’s organ using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, complemented by previous data on antennal sen-silla. Brain organization was investigated by Micro-CT and confocal laser scanning mi-croscopy, which enabled us to identify the primary neuropiles. In addition, we did anten-nal and single sensillum backfills to trace sensory neurons to the brain. Our findings pro-vide insight into the adaptation of a simplified sensory system for effective communica-tion and orientation in P. spumarius.

Source: Insects

DOI: 10.3390/insects17010015

Authors: Milos Sevarika, Christoph Kleineidam, Roberto Romani

Institution: University of Perugia

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: Università degli Studi di Firenze, Universität Konstanz, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca