One of the first steps to identifying an insect is to understand the variations in morphology between types. Insects have a number of different Antenna which serve useful for identifying groups. Some classes of insects have no antenna.
Basic Antenna
A basic insect antenna is composed of a basal (Base) segment called the scape, which may vary in length, and then a number of smaller segments which can differ significantly depending on the type. The shape and the number of segments is very important for distinguishing insect groups.
Basic Antenna
A basic insect antenna is composed of a basal (Base) segment called the scape, which may vary in length, and then a number of smaller segments which can differ significantly depending on the type. The shape and the number of segments is very important for distinguishing insect groups.
Filiform Antenna
Filiform antenna are long and thread like. Mantids, booklice, psocids and earwigs have filiform antenna. Mayflies have shorter filiform antenna (about the length of their heads), Dragonflies and Damselflies have tiny pointed antenna. The length of cricket and grasshopper and stick and leaf insects antenna vary greatly. Lice only have 3 to 5 segmented antenna
Filiform antenna are long and thread like. Mantids, booklice, psocids and earwigs have filiform antenna. Mayflies have shorter filiform antenna (about the length of their heads), Dragonflies and Damselflies have tiny pointed antenna. The length of cricket and grasshopper and stick and leaf insects antenna vary greatly. Lice only have 3 to 5 segmented antenna
Moniliform Antenna
Moniliform Antenna are bead like
Moniliform Antenna are bead like
Clubbed Antenna
Clubbed antenna have a swollen club like tip. Antenna in butterflies are clubbed.
Clubbed antenna have a swollen club like tip. Antenna in butterflies are clubbed.
Elbowed Antenna
Elbowed antenna are prominently bent, often at 90 degrees and have a large scape
Elbowed antenna are prominently bent, often at 90 degrees and have a large scape
Lamellate Antenna
The last few segments of lamellate antenna have fan-like expansions. Moth antenna can vary from filiform to fan like.
The last few segments of lamellate antenna have fan-like expansions. Moth antenna can vary from filiform to fan like.
Plumose Antenna
These antenna are feather like.
These antenna are feather like.
Serrate Antenna
As the name implies, serrate antenna have tooth like, or saw like segments.
As the name implies, serrate antenna have tooth like, or saw like segments.
Aristate Antenna
These antenna are short and stout with a thin, bristle like end.
These antenna are short and stout with a thin, bristle like end.