Antennal hair erection in male mosquitoes: a new mechanical effector in insects.

Male Anopheles mosquitoes erect their antennal hairs prior to mating. The erectile mechanism resides in a unique annulus at the base of each hair whorl. It appears that the insect regulates the degree of hydration of this annulus. When the annulus is made to swell the attached hairs are pushed to their erect position.