Mapping antennal sensilla to dissect overwintering behaviors of boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata)

Understanding overwintering behavior of boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) is critical for preventing initial aggregation and secondary movement inside structures. Like many Hemiptera in similar families, boxelder bugs have behaviors driven by allomones including host cues (Schwarz 2009), and field observations suggest alarm pheromones and chemical cues for end-of season aggregation. We mapped external morphology, ultrastructure and distribution of antennal sensilla of overwintering boxelder bugs  via scanning electron microscopy to locate possible chemosensory structures responsible for this seasonal aggregation behavior. Cuticle morphology identified five types of sensilla, including: sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla chaetica, sensilla campaniformia and sensilla coeloconica, though distribution of varied depending on antennal segment. Mapping how these bugs detect chemical signals through the number, location, and distribution of sensilla present on their antennae enable further investigations of allomone-mediated seasonal aggregation, resulting in more effective pest prevention strategies against this insect.