Insect Flight

Question 1

Why is there a thickened cuticle located on the leading edge of insects

Answer 1

adds mass to the wings to reduce vibrations induced by fluttering at the wingtip

Question 2

How do insects generate lift?

Answer 2

1. leading edge vortex forms but instead of being shed the leading edge vortex is stable and remains bound at the leading edge
2. bound leading edge vortex prevents stalling at increasing angles of attack

Question 3

Why can insect wings operate at high angles of attack

Answer 3

they have a bound leading edge vortex that prevents stalling

Question 4

What are the 2 muscle types that insects utilize

Answer 4

1. direct flight muscles

2. indirect flight muscles

Question 5

What are direct flight muscles

Answer 5

1. muscles are attached directly to the base of the wing
2. flight muscles can move ** INDEPENDENTLY**
3. flight muscles elevate and depress wings

Question 6

What are indirect flight muscles

Answer 6

1. muscles are attached to the cuticle instead of directly to the wing
2. muscles flex the top of the thorax and transmit force to the wings
3. flight muscles cannot move the wings independently
4. smaller steering muscles control the orientation of the wings during the stroke

Question 7

What is autoventilation

Answer 7

1. when muscles bulge they compress the air sacs and so air gets released
2. when muscles contract then less compression of the air sacs and the so air can be taken in.
3. as the muscles flap the wings there will be auto ventilation