Physiology and central projections of putative thermosensitive multipolar neurons in the 'Australian Firebeetle' Merimna atrata: solving the processing of peripheral temperature information in the insect brain

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The proposed project aims at a thorough investigation on peripheral multipolar neurons (MNs) in insects that - according to the current state of knowledge - are characterized by an unique terminal dendritic mass (TDM). Additionally, this class of putative thermosensitive neurons obviously project directly into the protocerebrum of the brain. In the focus of interest is the pyrophilous 'firebeetle' Merimna atrata that - so far unique in insects - has developed abdominal infrared receptors. For comparative reasons a non-pyrophilous beetle will also be investigated; the flightless darkling beetle Zophobas mori. It is hypothesized that the peripherally arranged MNs provide an internal thermo- / infrared-sensory system so far overlooked in insects. It will be elucidated if the subcuticular MNs located in the antennae, lapial palps, legs, and additionally on the abdominal sternites in Merimna atrata project directly into special neuropils of the protocerebrum (e. g. the SVIP neuropil) presumed to represent additional thermosensitive centers in the insect brain. Furthermore, the physiology and ultrastructure of the MNs will be investigated.