Antennae Structure and Shape

What are antennae?

Paired, segmented sensory appendages.

What are the antennae primary functions?

Olfaction, touch, and sound/vibration detection in some groups.

What are the three basic parts of antennae?

Scape, pedicel, and flagellum.

Scape:

Base of antennae.

Pedicel:

Second segment of antennae.

Flagellum:

Remaining segments of antennae, most variable in shape.

Filiform:

Thread-like.

Filiform Example:

Cockroaches.

Moniliform:

Beaded.

Moniliform Example:

Termites.

Serrate:

Bristle-like.

Serrate Example:

Some beetles.

Setaceous:

Bristle-like.

Setaceous Example:

Dragonflies.

Lamallete:

Nested plates, antennae physically fan open to increase surface area for detecting fruit orders.

Lamallete Example:

Scarab beetles.

Pectinate:

Comb-like.

Pectinate Example:

Sawflies.

Plumose:

Long hairs, feathery, large antennae used to detect female pheromones from a long distance.

Plumose Example:

Mosquitoes, Ceanothus silk moth.

Clavate:

Gradually clubbed.

Clavate Example:

Butterflies.

Capitate:

Abruptly clubbed.

Capitate Example:

Some beetles.

Aristate:

Pouch-like with lateral bristle.

Aristate Example:

Houseflies.