Ultrastructure of the antennal sensorial appendage of larvae of Ophonus ardosiacus (Lutshnik, 1922) (Coleoptera, Carabidae) and possible correlations between size and shape and the larval feeding habits

The antennal sensory appendage morphology was studied in 19 species of carabid beetle larvae using scanning electron microscopy. Shape and size of the organ has been re-examined in selected taxa and are compared to figure out possible correlations between antennal sensory structures and larval morphoecological types. Morphometric analysis shows no correlation between antennal sensory appendage dimension and the four most common behavioural types. The ultrastructure of this sensory organ is described for larvae of Ophonus ardosiacus and the possible function is discussed. Olfactory function has been indicated as the most probable. The high number of chemosensory neurons of this multiporous organ suggests a possible ability of fine odour discrimination related to prey choice or host location.