Olfaction in phytophagous ladybird beetles: antennal sensilla and sensitivity to volatiles from host plants in Chnootriba elaterii

Abstract Olfaction and chemical ecology in phytophagous ladybird beetles have been largely ignored so far. The present paper describes for the first time basiconic, grooved, trichoid porous olfactory sensilla on antennae of Chnootriba elaterii (Epilacnini) demonstrates sensitivity to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from host plants, belonging common less Cucurbitaceae crops wild species ( Citrullus lanatus , Cucumis melo sativus Cucurbita pepo moschata Lagenaria siceraria Luffa cylindrica, Ecballium elaterium ). Epilachnini ladybirds are phytophagous, with adult larvae feeding various Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae. Notwithstanding some serious pests crops, their has disregarded discusses ultrastructure antennal (scanning electron microscopy-SEM) electroantennographic recordings (EAG) responding proposed chemicals, also considering literature olfaction aphidophagous ladybugs. In particular, similar those described predatory but they much more numerous apical flagellum, probably because involved plant location selection. This research can be considered a step developing semiochemical-based sustainable control strategies melon crops.