Chemosensilla
Guides
Nepoidea
Nepoidea is a superfamily of aquatic true bugs comprising two families: Belostomatidae (giant water bugs) and Nepidae (water scorpions). These are the largest-bodied members of the infraorder Nepomorpha and function as top predators in freshwater ecosystems. A distinctive morphological trait is the reduction and concealment of antennae in grooves behind the eyes, an adaptation to submerged aquatic life. The antennal sensilla exhibit remarkable structural diversity, with 11 morphological types identified including mechanosensilla, thermo-hygrosensilla, and olfactory sensilla that facilitate environmental sensing and prey detection.