Overview

Mechanosensilla are sensilla that contain neurotubular cytoskeletons. These sensilla have an innervated socket (sensilla chaetica) or non-innervated socket (sensilla basiconica or sensilla trichoidea).
The most common mechanosilla in ticks are the setiform sensilla which occur over the capitulum, body surface, and legs. Others are non-setiform sensilla in the form of a simple socket (= campaniform sensilla or sensilla auriformia) and pore or disc shaped (= chordotonal sensilla).

Mechanosensilla respond to physical contact, i.e. touch.
Often, mechanosensilla occur as parts of multifunctional sensilla, i.e., combined with chemoreceptive dendrites.
Certain Mechanosensilla may detect sounds, e.g. in Ornithodoros concanensis. This soft tick responds to sounds within the ranges generated by nestling birds (3000, 5200 and 8000 Hz).

An unusual structure has been reported to occur on the walking legs II, III and IV in Amblyomma varigatum. Presumably, they are widespread in the Ixodidae. They are thought to detect airborne or substrate vibrations or serve as gravity sensilla.