A tarsal formula states the number of segments of an insect's tarsi as three numbers, a-b-c, starting with the fore leg (a), then the middle leg (b), then the hind leg (c). For example, a tarsal formula of "5-5-4" as found in the Trictenotomidae means there are five segments in the fore leg's tarsi, five segments in the middle leg's tarsi, and four segments in the hind leg's tarsi.[1] This character is especially useful at family rank and higher.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Glossary of Terms | VCSU Macro-Invertebrate Lab". Digital Key to Aquatic Insects of North Dakota. Valley City State University. Archived from the original on 7 March 2021.
- ^ "tarsus, tarsi, tarsomere, tarsal formula - BugGuide.Net". bugguide.net.
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