Insect Locomotion and Flight Mechanics: Muscles, Movement, and Stability

What type of muscle do hexapods possess?

Hexapods have only striated muscle.

How do tracheoles contribute to hexapod muscles?

Tracheoles provide oxygen to muscle fibers.

What are the two types of muscle contractions in hexapods?

Synchronous (one contraction per impulse) and asynchronous (multiple contractions per impulse).

What are the three important properties for walking in insects?

Speed, directionality, and stability.

What are the two phases of limb movement in insect walking?

Stance phase (on the ground) and swing phase (off the ground).

What are the four ways insects can move their legs?

Uncoordinated between segments, one segment moves supported by others, side-to-side movement, and alternating tripod movement.

What adaptations do insects have for surface adhesion?

Claws, pads, and fine hairs.

What is the primary function of enlarged hindlegs in insects?

Jumping, often controlled for escape or launching to extend wings.

How do insects typically land?

Using pads, claws, or spines.

What type of muscles do most insects use for flight?

Most insects do not power flight via direct flight muscles; they use indirect flight muscles.

What is the role of the pleural wing process (PWP) in insect flight?

It serves as a reinforced fulcrum for wing pivoting.

How do indirect flight muscles cause wing movement?

They do not attach to the wings; instead, they deform the thorax, causing the wings to flap.

What happens when DVM muscles contract?

The top of the thorax is pulled down, causing the wings to go up.

What is the effect of DLM muscle contraction on wing movement?

Thorax is squeezed front-to-back, causing the wings to go down.

How does the thorax resonate during flight?

It resonates at flight frequency, which can be faster than nerve impulses can fire.

What is the function of direct flight muscles?

They control the direction of flight by pulling on small bits of cuticle at the wing base.

What happens when direct flight muscles pull on the BA?

It tilts the front edge of the wing down.

What happens when direct flight muscles pull on the SA?

It tilts the back edge of the wing down.

How do the contractions of direct and indirect muscles contribute to flight?

They provide lift and thrust.

What is the significance of differential timing of contraction in insect flight?

It provides torque for turning by varying contractions on the left and right sides.