Question:

Antennae of female mosquitoes are:

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To remember mosquito antennae:
- Male = Plumose (Plumose \(\approx\) Plume/Feather, very hairy).
- Female = Pilose (Pilose \(\approx\) Pale/Plain, few hairs).
  • Plumose
  • Whorled
  • Bipectinate
  • Pilose
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Understanding the Concept:

Antennal dimorphism is highly pronounced in mosquitoes (family Culicidae) and plays a key role in their sensory biology and mate location.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

- Male Mosquitoes: Possess highly feathery, plumose antennae with dense, long whorls of hairs.
These hairs vibrate in response to the wing-beat frequencies of flying females, helping males locate mates.
- Female Mosquitoes: Possess sparsely haired, pilose antennae with short, sparse whorls of hairs.
These are adapted for general environmental sensing and locating hosts rather than acoustic mate-finding.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The antennae of female mosquitoes are pilose, which corresponds to option (D).
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