Spatial organization of olfactory receptor neurons on the antenna of the cabbage looper moth

Abstract

Electrophysiological responses to stimulation with behaviorally relevant compounds were recorded from receptor neurons within specialized classes of sensilla on the antennae of male cabbage looper moths. Receptor neurons were found that specifically respond to stimulation with Z-7,12:AC, Z-7,14:AC, Z-9,14:AC, and Z-7,12:OH. Specialized receptor neurons were not found for the three remaining pheromone blend components, 12:AC, Z-5,12:AC, or 11,12:AC. However, a new class of sensillum containing a pair of neurons insensitive to all of the cabbage looper pheromone components was encountered. In addition, spatial patterns of distribution along the flagellum for identified classes of sensilla are described. Sensilla containing Z-7,12:AC-sensitive neurons are preferentially located on the proximal half of the antennal flagellum. In addition to this distribution along the length of the antenna, a pattern across individual flagellar subsegments is described. Sensilla containing neurons sensitive to Z-9,14:AC were found exclusively on the lateral margins of individual flagellar subsegments.