| Volume: 8; Issue: 1; June 2026 |
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| Title : ULTRASTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF ANTENNAE AND WING SCALES IN TWO BUTTERFLY SPECIES: INDIAN JEZEBEL (DELIAS EUCHARIS) AND COMMON MORMON (PAPILIO POLYTES) |
| Authour(s): Ankita Yadav, Pragya Vashishtha and Kalpana Singh |
| Keywords: Antennae, Butterfly, Lepidoptera, Papilionidae, Pieridae, SEM, Ultrastructure, Wings. |
| Abstract: This study investigates ultrastructural variations in the antennae and wing scales of two butterfly species namely the Indian Jezebel (Delias eucharis; Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and the Common Mormon (Papilio polytes; Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antennae function as key sensory organs, while wing scales influence coloration, thermoregulation, and aerodynamics. SEM analysis revealed two major antennal sensilla types in both species: sensilla trichodea and böhm bristles. D. eucharis displayed a more uniform distribution of sensilla trichodea with abundant scales and microtrichia, whereas P. polytes exhibited a higher density of sensilla and bristles, suggesting enhanced olfactory and tactile capacities. Wing scale morphology also differed markedly. D. eucharis showed broader, flattened, less patterned scales, producing bright yet uniform coloration that supports its mimicry-based defense strategy. In contrast, P. polytes possessed densely packed, ridged, and overlapping scales, creating iridescence likely linked to mate attraction and predator avoidance. Structural variations included a quasi-honeycomb pattern in P. polytes and a reticular lamina in D. eucharis, indicating roles in visual signaling and camouflage. These findings highlight interspecific diversity in sensory and structural adaptations, reflecting distinct ecological strategies. The study underscores SEM's value in advancing understanding of lepidopteran morphology and sensory biology |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.46505/IJBI.2026.8101 |
| How to cite this article: Yadav Ankita, Vashishtha Pragya and Singh Kalpana (2026). Ultrastructural analysis of antennae and wing scales in two Butterfly species: Indian Jezebel (Delias eucharis) and Common Mormon (Papilio polytes). International Journal of Biological Innovations. 8(1): 01-07. https://doi.org/10.46505/IJBI.2026.8101 |
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