Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada

antenna, antennae, antennomere

Insect antenna forms
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
No Taxon (Glossary --use Taxonomy, then Info tabs to view entries)
No Taxon (A)
No Taxon antenna, antennae, antennomere
Explanation of Names
From Latin antenna, meaning a sail-yard (rope for hauling up or securing sails). Latin word is from Greek ana, up, plus teinein, to stretch (1).
Identification
antenna, noun, plural antennae or antennas, adjective antennal - One of the paired, flexible, segmented sensory appendages on the head of an insect, myriapod, or crustacean functioning primarily as an organ of touch. The segments of the antenna are called antennomeres.

Insect antennae have a variety of morphologies, frequently useful in identifying insect families. Specialized terminology is shown in the diagram above.

Examples of antenna cleaners on legs:
Print References
Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 56 (1)
Internet References
Works Cited
1.A Dictionary of Entomology
By George Gordh, David H. Headrick