What are the knobbed structures on the thorax of mosquitoes called?

The knobbed structures on the thorax of mosquitoes are referred to as halters. These are modified wings that provide stability during flight, helping the mosquito maintain balance and maneuverability while in the air. Halters are typically reduced in size compared to the main wings and have a distinctive knob at the end, which is a characteristic feature of the order Diptera to which mosquitoes belong.

The primary role of halters is to act as gyroscopic sensors, detecting changes in orientation and assisting with flight control. This adaptation is critical for efficient movement, especially in the diverse environments mosquitoes navigate while searching for food or breeding sites.

In contrast, antennae are sensory organs used for detecting chemical signals and environmental cues, while pedipalps serve various functions depending on the species, mostly involving sensory perception, mating, or prey manipulation, particularly in arachnids rather than insects like mosquitoes. Wings are the primary structures used in flight, but they are distinct from halters in both structure and function.