Insect wing damage: causes, consequences and compensatory mechanisms
Date Issued
2020
Abstract
The evolution of wings has played a key role in the success of insect species, allowing them to diversify to fill many niches. Insect wings are complex multifunctional structures, which not only have to withstand aerodynamic forces but also need to resist excessive stresses caused by accidental collisions. This Commentary provides a summary of the literature on damage-reducing morphological adaptations in wings, covering natural causes of wing collisions, their impact on the structural integrity of wings and associated consequences for both insect flight performance and life expectancy. Data from the literature and our own observations suggest that insects have evolved strategies that (i) reduce the likelihood of wing damage and (ii) allow them to cope with damage when it occurs: damage-related fractures are minimized because wings evolved to be damage tolerant and, in the case of wing damage, insects compensate for the reduced aerodynamic efficiency with dedicated changes in flight kinematics.
Subjects
Area loss
;
collision
;
flight
;
fracture
;
Tear
;
Wear
Publisher
Company of Biologists
Institution
Type
journal article
Journal/Edited collection
Band
223
Issue
9
Start page
1
End page
8
Secondary publication
No
Language
English