Unique Features of Sensilla on the Antennae of Formicidae (Hymenoptera)

The sensillum structures on the antennae in Formicidae were examined by SEM to compare with those of other aculeate hymenoptera. While all aculeates had the sensilla basiconica, s. chaetica, s. placodea, s. coeloconica and s. ampullacea on the antennae, the sensillum structures of Formicidae were large and specialized in shape with more complex arrangement. These unique structural features reflected chemosensory specialization in formicid sensilla.