THE STOMODAEAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, THE NEUROSECRETORY SYSTEM, AND THE GLAND COMPLEX IN AEDES AEGYPTI (L.) (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

Abstract

The stomodaeal nervous system in Aedes aegypti (L.) possesses a frontal, a hypocerebral, and two ventricular ganglia. It innervates parts of the alimentary tract and some muscles of ingestion, and it has associated with it certain motor nerves from the central nervous system, and sensory nerves. In larvae these sensory nerves originate from tactile head hairs, and from sensilla on the epipharyngeal apparatus. The neurosecretory system is generally similar to that in other insects. The pars intercerebralis contains three paired groups of neurosecretory cells, with axons from one pair leading to the dorsal mass, a structure fused to the hypocerebral ganglion. Evidence suggests that the dorsal mass functionally corresponds to part of the corpus cardiacum of other insects. However, what seem to be cardiacum cells are located some distance away in two groups in the endocrine gland complex in the thorax. The corpora allata, also contained in this complex, can first be recognized as distinct organs early in the third instar. In the corpora allata of adult females, cell division and an increase in the amount of cytoplasm occur soon after emergence, rather than after a blood meal. When adult females are about 1 day old, vacuoles begin to develop in the corpora allata. Cells in the gland complex corresponding to the prothoracic gland cells begin to histolyze in the pupa, and most of them are completely broken down before adults are 1 day old.