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Functioning of the wings and axillary sclerites of Heteroptera during flight
Author(s) -
Betts C. R.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1096-3642.1986.tb00640.x
Subject(s) - heteroptera , biology , wing , flapping , torsion (gastropod) , anatomy , camber (aerodynamics) , zoology , structural engineering , engineering
A high degree of automation of the wingstroke in the Heteroptera has resulted in the simplification of the axillae and associated musculature. The functions of the indirect, asynchronous flight muscles are summarised from previous investigations and original work. Functions are suggested for the tonic muscles but await confirmation by electrophysiological research. The deformations seen in heteropteran wings can be explained in terms of muscularly generated and aerodynamic forces. Unsteady aerodynamic benefits of such deformations, though unproven, may be of primary importance. Torsion, camber change and transverse flexion are all candidates for the generation of unsteady effects. The ‘near clap and peel’ seen at pronation has been described in other insects by Ellington (1984a), and it seems likely that it serves the same purpose in Heteroptera. Heteroptera, like many other insects, show wing‐tip flexion. Among several possible functions, inertial stress reduction is shown to be important.