The maxillary palp as character for identification is only used in the Tanypodinae. The maxillary palps are situated at the ventro-anterior part of the head. Normally with 1 basal segment Maxilla Tanypodinae normal, sometimes subdivided into more segments Maxilla Ablabesmyia. On top of the basal segment stands a b-seta which can be of diagnostic value.

Alternative forms for Maxillary palp : maxilla, maxillae.