Antenna
Homology Weekly: Sensillae Trichoidea
Detail of the antennal apex of a Dorylus helvolus worker (Scanning Electron Micrograph, Roberto Keller/AMNH)
This image shows the surface of the tip of the antenna in the African driver ant Dorylus helvolus. The tongue-shaped structures are one of the many types of hair-like sensory organs called sensillae trichoidea (Latin for, well, hair-like sensory organs). These organs are basically composed of a central piece of cuticle in the shape of a long filament or short paddle inserted into a socket and kept in place by a membranous ring. The central piece, thus, can freely move in all direction allowed by the socket. › Continue reading
