Micro-structural Approach to Developing the Resonance Model of the Indirect Flight Mechanism

Abstract

Insects (Phylum Arthropoda Class Insecta) are divided into two groups. One has a direct flight mechanism (wing driven by the “direct” muscles) and the other has an indirect one. The latter is known as “constant wing oscillation”, where is different from the asynchronous flight muscle contraction-relaxation frequency, although the precise mechanism is unknown. We have already proposed a mechanically reconstructed resonance model. It works as if the “indirect” muscles cause the chest wall to vibrate of its proper frequency and as if the vibration then causes the higher wing oscillation. According to this, there is no “amplifier” apparatus. To clarify the indirect flight mechanism and the “amplifier” using the microstructural approach, honeybees (Apis mellifera) were investigated and the micro-XCT was employed. Ordinary cross-section tissue specimens were also investigated. The results were; 1) No “amplifier” apparatus was found in the area adjacent to the wing joint. Contrary to this, our resonance model does not have any inconsistency. It needs not higher muscle contraction-relaxation frequency. 2) In the joint of wing, some motion limitation apparatus of wing were found, but it was to be thought to act as a passive shock absorber, not as an active one. 3) Consequently, our resonance model is the only significant explanatory theory without inconsistency for the indirect flight mechanism.