The difference between antennae and pedipalps lies in their respective structures and functions, with antennae being sensory organs in insects and crustaceans, while pedipalps are multipurpose appendages found in chelicerates like spiders.
Difference Between Antennae and Pedipalps
The main difference between antennae and pedipalps lies in their structure and function. Antennae are sensory appendages located on the head of many arthropods like insects and crustaceans. They are used for sensing the environment, including chemicals, vibrations, and air currents. For example, insects like Drosophila (fruit flies) have a pair of antennae that play a significant role in their ability to navigate and perceive their surroundings.
In contrast, pedipalps are found in chelicerates, such as spiders and scorpions. They are the second pair of appendages near the mouth, following the chelicerae, and serve various functions such as sensing, capturing prey, or manipulating food. In some chelicerates, pedipalps can also be involved in reproduction. Notably, chelicerates have lost their antennae through evolution and perform many sensing functions with their pedipalps instead.
The contrast can be highlighted by considering the wild-type Drosophila with a pair of antennae versus the Antennapedia mutant, where legs are found in the place of antennae, showcasing a genetic mutation that effects appendage development.