Abstract: The number, shape and distribution of sensilla trichodea on the antennae of male silkworm moths Antheraea polyphemus and A. pernyi were observed and their quantitative difference was measured. The specificities of response to the components of sex pheromones of olfactory cells were investigated by single cell recording. The result indicated that there were1to 3 receptor cells in each olfactory sensillum on the antennae of male moths and they could be nominated as the AC₁-cell, AC₂-celland Alcell respectively. It was shown that each type of the receptor cells was highly specialized to one kind of the the components of the sex pheromones and there was certain difference in the response specific to the insect species.

Key words: Antheraea polyphemus——Ansheraea pernyi——sex pheromone ——single cell recording