Knowra Arthropod antennae Arthropod antennae Arthropod antennae are paired sensory appendages on the head of most arthropods. They detect stimuli including touch, chemicals, temperature, and movement.
Sensillum : A microscopic sensory unit on an arthropod body, often containing receptor cells and supporting structures. Sensilla on antennae detect touch, odors, humidity, temperature, and other stimuli.
Arthropod : An invertebrate animal with a segmented body, jointed appendages, and an external skeleton. Antennae occur across many members of this animal group, though not all arthropods have them.
Pheromone : A chemical signal released by an organism that affects the behavior or physiology of others of the same species. Many insects detect mate and social pheromones with antennal receptors.
Insect mouthparts : Modified appendages around an insect’s mouth that obtain and process food. Mouthparts handle food, whereas antennae primarily sample sensory information.
Olfaction : The detection of chemical substances through specialized sensory receptors. Antennal olfactory receptors detect airborne or dissolved odor molecules.
Arthropod exoskeleton : The external skeleton of an arthropod, formed mainly from chitin and proteins. Antennae are articulated appendages built from cuticle continuous with the exoskeleton.
Moth pheromone communication : The use of chemical signals by moths, often for mate attraction and recognition. Male moth antennae can detect minute quantities of female-produced sex pheromones.
Insect legs : Jointed appendages used by insects for walking and other functions. Legs are chiefly locomotory, although they can also carry sensory receptors.
Mechanoreception : The detection of physical forces such as touch, vibration, and pressure. Antennae use mechanical receptors to register contact and movement in surrounding air or water.
Antennomere : One segment of an arthropod antenna. Antennae are commonly divided into successive antennomeres that can move relative to one another.
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