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Chemoreception in four species of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnida): behavioural and morphological evidence

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Abstract

Silver nitrate staining of the solenidial and eupathidial sensilla on the palpi, tarsi and tibiae of legs I and II of Arrenurus acutus, Geayia ovata, Mideopsis reelfootensis and Albia caerulea, along with ultrastructural studies, showed that these setae have a porous shaft cuticle. These setae are hollow and contain dendrites in their lumens and more than one neuron is associated with each setae. Behavioural experiments supported the involvement of these sensilla in the perception of chemical cues from prey and sexual partners.

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Baker, G.T. Chemoreception in four species of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnida): behavioural and morphological evidence. Exp Appl Acarol 20, 445–455 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00053308

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