Tarsal formula

Tarsal formula is the number of segments of the tarsi, which has 3 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" means there are 5 segments in the fore leg's tarsi, 5 segments in the middle leg's tarsi, and 4 segments in the hind leg's tarsi.[1] This character is especially useful at family rank and higher.[2]

Diagram of a typical insect leg

References
  1. "Glossary of Terms | VCSU Macro-Invertebrate Lab". www.waterbugkey.vcsu.edu.
  2. "tarsus, tarsi, tarsomere, tarsal formula - BugGuide.Net". bugguide.net.


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