[ad_1]
Dragonfly wings look as if they were made from glass. They are incredible in many aspects.
The internal structure of dragonfly wings can be seen in this photo. Image credit: Weyenbergh Jacky, CC0 Public Domain
Dragonflies are a large group of insects that contains about 300 species. They live in various habitats, including deserts, rainforests, and wetlands. These species have lots of interesting features. For example, they fly farther, higher, and faster than most insects.
But perhaps the most surprising part of dragonflies is their glassy wings.
Two pairs of wings
Dragonflies have two sets of wings. They can be used together or independently in order to achieve different and often mind-bending flight dynamics.
The lower wings are broader and thus can provide support and relief to the upper wings.
Chitin provides exceptional strength
The wings are made strong and flexible by veins that form a network on each wing. Each dragonfly has a slightly different network of veins. A tiny film that is composed of chitin keeps the veins together.
Chitin is a material that forms the exoskeletons of invertebrate animals like prawns, spiders, and insects. The wings look shiny because the chitin layer is very thin and smooth. In fact, the wings of many insects, such as bees, wasps, and flies, have a similar structure.
The wings of butterflies are also made of chitin, but as they are colorful, they do not appear glassy. They lose their reflectivity and transparency because of small scales covering the entire wing surface.
This specimen is more colorful – thanks to organic compounds called pigments. Image credit: Ivan Cujic via Pexels, free license
Why do dragonfly wings look like they are made of glass?
Its wings are extremely thin, with an almost completely smooth surface. They are also transparent. Chitin base material is also the reason for this glassy appearance due to its reflective properties.
Because of its optical features, chitin is also a candidate for new types of photonic biopolymers.
Wings of flies, bees, and wasps also have a nearly identical chitin-based glassy appearance.
Not all dragonflies have same-looking wings
Some dragonfly species have brightly colored wings with red, brown, or even metallic shades. Colors are defined by the type of pigments. Scientists say different wing patterns and colors are important tools for this insect, which are used to attract potential mates.
The incredible performance of dragonfly wings
When a dragonfly flies, it is difficult to see its wings moving. That’s because they can beat up to 30 times per second, allowing the insect to reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour (nearly 44 mph).
Dragonflies can use their wings to hover, slow their flight, or speed up at will. They can use both sets of its wings together or one at a time to change direction or start to move faster.
These insects can twist their wings at any angle. The unique shape of the wings also allows them to free glide. The properties of the wings even inspire researchers to make better blades for drones and helicopters.
True insect “aviation” experts
The exceptional flexibility and strength of the dragonfly wings are the main reasons why this insect can easily fly using different modes. It can easily propel itself in any desired direction – forward, backward, upward, or downward. Flight direction can be changed at any instant, in a tiny fraction of a second.
Wrapping up
There are not many insects that can rival dragonflies in terms of their wing properties. They not only look fabulous but also provide the insect with exceptional flying abilities. No wonder people are looking for ways to replicate the same performance on a larger scale, in order to develop novel agile drones and nature-inspired means of transportation.
[ad_2]
Source link