Question

Describe the structure and function of wing coupling mechanisms in insects.

Answer 1

Wing coupling mechanism in insects-

1. The coupling of the wings means the fore wings and the hind wings on the either side of an insect work together/function in a synchronous manner.

2. Although the wing coupling in the primitive insects (eg-Odonata) have mechanism where the hind and fore wings use to move independent of each other,

3. But , in the more higher pterygotes, the fore and the hind wing move synchronously.

4. The lobes or the spines , that lie at the wing and also the humoral lobe that is situated at the base of the costal margin of the hind wings—are the main role player in the coupling of the wings in the insects.

5. Setae is usually present in both the lobes.

6. Frenular bristles forms the component of the humoral lobe.

7. Some caddisflies(of the order trichoptera) have jugual lobe, that is present at the base of the costal margin of the hind wing. This particular variety is called Jugate wing coupling.

8. Another is called frenate coupling, which is a particular case of many lepidoptera. They have a developed frenulum.

9. It has been seen that the female noctuids have 2-20 frenular bristles and forwardly directed hair containing retinaculum, which is actually present on the underside of the cubital vein. In contrast, the frenular bristles form a single stout, because the bristles are fused.

The function of wing coupling—a. with the help of wing coupling, the insects functionally seems to posses two wings.

b. It increases the flight efficiency

c. it increases the flight stability.