The Johnston's organ of three homopteran species: A comparative ultrastructural study

A transmission electron-microscopy study has been carried out on the pedicel of three homopteran species, with particular focus on the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball. The two other species, the planthoppers Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret and Metcalfa pruinosa Say, were investigated in order to compare the ultrastructure of the Johnston's organ (JO) among representatives of the Auchenorrhyncha group. The results showed the presence of a well developed JO located within the pedicel. Depending on the species the JO is made of 25 up to 72 scolopidia arranged in a coronal array. Each scolopidium is connective, heterodynal, amphinematic and hosts three structurally dissimilar sensory neurons. Two of them have a type 1 ciliary segment while the third bears a type 2 cilium. The type 2 dendrite tip is associated with a tubular cap and is longer than the others, ending into the cuticle at the base of the flagellum. Other scolopidia with one or two neurons were found in S. titanus, forming an accessory organ. The presence of such a well developed mechanosensory apparatus is discussed in relation with the lifestyle of the three species.

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► A comparative TEM study was carried out on the Johnston's organ of three Homoptera.
► We found differences in number and arrangement of the scolopidia among the species.
► Scolopidia showed the same structural features in all the three Johnston's organs.
► An additional chordotonal organ, the central organ, was described in one species.
► We discuss the possible functional implications of the observed structures.