Morphogenesis of the Antenna of the Male Silkmoth Antheraea Polyphemus, III: Development of Olfactory Sensilla and the Properties of Hair-Forming Cells
January 1991
in “
Tissue and Cell
”
TLDR The male silkmoth's antenna develops olfactory structures over 21 days, with full hair formation by day 15.
The study detailed the development of olfactory sensilla in the male silkmoth Antheraea polyphemus during its adult development. The process began with the formation of olfactory sensilla anlagen within the first 2 days post-apolysis, followed by the growth of primary dendrites and axons from sensory neurons by the second day. Trichogen cells initiated apical process growth by the third day, with hair-forming sprouts reaching full length by the ninth day. Cuticle secretion started on day 10, and the hair shafts of basiconic and trichoid sensilla were completed by days 12/13 and 14/15, respectively. The study highlighted the role of microtubules in trichogen sprouts for membrane vesicle transport and intensive membrane recycling. Sensillum lymph cavities developed between days 16–20, and the adult moth emerged on day 21.
