Wing coupling
Some four-winged insect orders, such as the Lepidoptera, have developed a wide variety of morphological wing coupling mechanisms in the imago which render these taxa as "functionally dipterous" (effectively two-winged) for efficient insect flight.[1] All, but the most basal forms, exhibit this wing coupling.[2]:4266
The mechanisms are of three different types - jugal, frenulo-retinacular and amplexiform.[3]
Contents
Jugal wing coupling
The more primitive groups of moth have an enlarged lobe-like area near the basal posterior margin, i.e. at the base of the forewing, called jugum, that folds under the hindwing in flight.[2][4]:631-664
Frenulo-retinacular wing coupling
Other groups of moth have a frenulum on the hindwing that hooks under a retinaculum on the forewing.[4] The retinaculum is a loop on the underside of the forewing of some moths. Along with the frenulum, a spine at the base of the forward or costal edge of the hindwing, it forms a coupling mechanism for the front and rear wings of the moth.
Amplexiform wing coupling
In the butterflies[lower-alpha 1] and in the Bombycoidea[lower-alpha 2] there is no arrangement of frenulum and retinaculum to couple the wings. Instead, an enlarged humeral area of the hindwing is broadly overlapped by the forewing. Despite the absence of a specific mechanical connection, the wings overlap and operate in phase. The power stroke of the forewing pushes down the hindwing in unison. This type of coupling is a variation of frenate type but where the frenulum and retinaculum are completely lost.[1][5]
Notes
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- Pinhey, E (1962). Hawk Moths of Central and Southern Africa. Longmans Southern Africa, Cape Town.
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