Housefly Antenna Under the Microscope
Housefly Antenna (Whole Mount), Musca domestica
This is a house fly antenna mounted whole. Fly antennae are short and have a feathery bristle called the arista, which senses air currents and smells.
This is a whole mount of a housefly antenna (Musca domestica), shown in its natural amber color. A housefly antenna is short, with one large, rounded segment. From that segment grows the arista, a stiff bristle with long, feathery hairs that helps the fly sense moving air and smells. This short antenna with a feathery bristle is a key feature of houseflies and their relatives. Compare it with the long, many-segmented antennae of a bee or moth to see how insects build their sense organs in different ways.
What to look for
- Basal segments: Two small segments where the antenna joins the head.
- Third segment: A larger, elongated segment that makes up most of the antenna.
- Arista: A long bristle growing from the side of the third segment.
- Arista hairs: Fine hairs along the arista that make it look feathery.
Questions and answers
What is an arista on a fly antenna?
The arista is a bristle that sticks out from the third segment of the antenna in house flies and their relatives. It is often feathery and helps the fly sense air movement and smells.
How is a fly antenna different from a bee antenna?
A fly antenna is short, with a large third segment and a bristle called the arista. A bee antenna is long and elbowed, with a flagellum made of many small segments.
- Category
- Invertebrates
- Scan magnification
- 20x
Viewing this slide in class
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