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).