Antennae

 

The antennae are a pair of sense organs located near the front of an insect’s head capsule.  Although commonly called “feelers”, the antennae are much more than just tactile receptors.  They are usually covered with olfactory receptors that can detect odor molecules in the air (the sense of smell).  Many insects also use their antennae as humidity sensors, to detect changes in the concentration of water vapor.  Mosquitoes detect sounds with their antennae, and many flies use theirs to gauge air speed while they are in flight.

Although antennae vary widely in shape and function, all of them can be divided into three basic parts:

1. scape — the basal segment that articulates with the head capsule
2. pedicel — the second antennal segment
3. flagellum — all the remaining “segments” (individually called flagellomeres)

Types of Antennae

The antennae of insects are modified in many ways.  Some of these modifications just provide greater surface area for sensory receptors, while others are unique adaptations that bestow special sensory capabilities, such as detecting sound vibrations, wind speed, or humidity.  The most common antennal types are listed below:

• Filiform = thread-like
• Moniliform = beaded
• Serrate = sawtoothed
• Setaceous = bristle-like
• Lamellate = nested plates
• Pectinate = comb-like
• Plumose = long hairs
• Clavate = gradually clubbed
• Capitate = abruptly clubbed
• Aristate = pouch-like with one lateral bristle
• All of these