Campaniform sensilla

Campaniform sensilla are mechanoreceptors found in insects. When the exoskeleton bends the resulting strain stimulates the sensilla. The displacement is transmitted down until it reaches the central nervous system. The term campaniform refers to the bell shape appearance of these sensory structures when viewed in cross section. They are found behind the primary wings of insects with halteres, used as gyroscopic motion detectors and balance enhancers. Clearly distinguishable in insects of the order Diptera such as flies.