Sensory pits - Enigmatic sense organs of the nymphs of the planthopper Issus coleoptratus (Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoromorpha)

► We study the sensory pits of planthopper nymphs using light and electron microscopy. ► Sensory pits consist of a depression in the cuticle equipped with a sensory hair. ► These hairs appear to be modified mechanoreceptors. ► In some planthopper species the pits are covered by translucent cupolae. ► The pits are dispersed over the body in a very precise fashion.