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]Template:Rp
The mechanisms are of three different types - jugal, frenulo-retinacular and amplexiform.[3]
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 Script error: No such module "anchor".jugum, that folds under the hindwing in flight.[2][4]Template:Rp
Frenulo-retinacular wing coupling
Other groups of moth have a frenulum on the hindwing that hooks under a retinaculum on the forewing.[4] The Script error: No such module "anchor".retinaculum is a hook or tuft on the underside of the forewing of some moths. Along with the Script error: No such module "anchor".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 butterfliesTemplate:Efn and in the BombycoideaTemplate:Efn, 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
References
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Sources
- Pinhey, E (1962). Hawk Moths of Central and Southern Africa. Longmans Southern Africa, Cape Town.