Which family has antennae less than half the body length?

• A. Phasmatodea (Walkingsticks)
• B. Mallophaga (Chewing Lice)
• C. Corixidae (Water Boatmen)
• D. Gryllotalpidae (Mole Crickets)

Answer: (D)

Antenna length relative to body length helps distinguish insect families because it often reflects their lifestyle. Mole crickets have antennae that are notably short, typically less than half the body length, which suits their underground, digging life by reducing obstruction and damage as they move through soil. The other groups tend to have longer, more prominent antennae—walkingsticks with whip-like antennae that often exceed their body length, and water boatmen with antennae well-developed for sensing in aquatic environments. This combination of a clearly short antenna and a fossorial habit is why this group fits the clue best.