Which statement best describes the difference between adult male and female mosquitoes?

Which statement best describes the difference between adult male and female mosquitoes?

• A. Male mosquitoes have bushy antennae.
• B. Female mosquitoes have bushy antennae.
• C. Male mosquitoes have longer proboscis.
• D. Female mosquitoes have no antennae.

Answer: (A)

Male mosquitoes have bushy, plumose antennae that are covered with many hair-like structures. This specialized, extravagant antenna arrangement helps them detect the wingbeat frequencies of female mosquitoes, which is how they find mates in flight. Females, on the other hand, have comparatively less bushy antennae and possess a longer proboscis for biting and blood feeding. They are the ones that seek hosts, while males do not bite. So the statement that males have bushy antennae correctly describes the practical difference used to distinguish the sexes. The other statements don’t fit biological reality: females do have antennae, males don’t retain a longer proboscis than females, and females do have antennae.

Male mosquitoes have bushy, plumose antennae that are covered with many hair-like structures. This specialized, extravagant antenna arrangement helps them detect the wingbeat frequencies of female mosquitoes, which is how they find mates in flight. Females, on the other hand, have comparatively less bushy antennae and possess a longer proboscis for biting and blood feeding. They are the ones that seek hosts, while males do not bite. So the statement that males have bushy antennae correctly describes the practical difference used to distinguish the sexes. The other statements don’t fit biological reality: females do have antennae, males don’t retain a longer proboscis than females, and females do have antennae.