The pulvillus and empodium in Culex quinquefasciatus: Visualization with the light microscope and a study of fine structure with the scanning electron microscope

The empodia and pulvilli on each postarsus were examined in male and female Culex quinquefasciatus. Up to 160X magnification was required to see them clearly under the stereo light microscope but they were more readily visibl e under the compound light microscope as slide mounts at 100-200X magnifica tion. Scanning electron micrographs of female and mole pulvilli showed that they are either well developed (females) or inconspicuous (males) and that they consist of setal tufts composed of both pointed and trumpet-ended set ae. The ultrastructure of the pulvilli is described and their possible func tion in oviposition is discussed.