Question:

Sequentially arrange the following insects on the basis of number of segments present in their antennae (from least to highest)
(A) Culex
(B) Simulium
(C) Tabanus
(D) Culicoides
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Brachyceran flies like Tabanus (C) have highly reduced, 3-segmented antennae compared to the multi-segmented antennae of Nematoceran flies (Culex, Simulium, Culicoides). Placing (C) as the least immediately points to the correct option.
  • (A), (B), (C), (D).
  • (D), (A), (C), (B).
  • (B), (A), (D), (C).
  • (C), (B), (D), (A).
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Antennal structure is a primary taxonomic key used to classify dipteran insects into suborders (Nematocera, Brachycera, and Cyclorrhapha) and families.
The number of antennal segments varies significantly across these taxonomic groups.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the number of segments in the antennae of each insect:
- (C) Tabanus (Horse flies): Belongs to the suborder Brachycera. They possess short, 3-segmented antennae (the third segment is annulated but morphologically is still considered a single segment with flagellomeres). This is the least number of segments among the options.
- (B) Simulium (Black flies): Belongs to Nematocera, but has short, robust, horn-like antennae with 11 segments that lack long hairs.
- (D) Culicoides (Biting midges): Belongs to Nematocera. They have long, beaded antennae consisting of 15 segments (scape, pedicel, and 13 flagellomeres).
- (A) Culex (Mosquitoes): Belongs to Nematocera. They possess long, plumose (males) or pilose (females) antennae with 15 to 16 segments.
Arranging these from the least to the highest number of antennal segments:
\[ \text{Tabanus (3 segments) [C]} \rightarrow \text{Simulium (11 segments) [B]} \rightarrow \text{Culicoides (15 segments) [D]} \rightarrow \text{Culex (15-16 segments) [A]} \] This corresponds to the sequence: (C), (B), (D), (A).

Step 2: Final Answer:

The correct sequential arrangement corresponds to Option (D).
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