Drosophila melanogaster was evaluated for wingbeat frequencies based on its general body size. Apart from the critical role of flight in foraging, competing for a mate and evading predators, its flight tone is crucial in intraspecific auditory communication. The average wing beat frequencies during free flight of local Drosophila melanogaster was found to range from 215.63 ±5.26 to 261.20 ±6.53 Hz, from the smallest to large-sized flies respectively. The significant difference in wingbeat frequency between the two groups is due to the distinct differences in wing size and body weight. Variations seen within the group is a function of several factors like insect body weight, wing dimensions, age, metabolic status, locomotory requirements and ambient climatic conditions.
Author(s) Details:
Isaac L. Mathew
Centre for Environmental and Applied Entomology, Department of Zoology, St Andrew’s College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Deepak Singh
Centre for Environmental and Applied Entomology, Department of Zoology, St Andrew’s College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Characterization of Wingbeat Frequency in Different Taxa of Migratory Insects
Species-Specific Variation: Previous studies have shown that WBF is species-specific. However, there was limited information on variations in WBF among different taxa of migratory insects [1].
Morphological Relationships: The study examined 77 species from three orders (lepidopterans, neuropterans, and odonatans) and found that WBF was negatively correlated with 12 morphological variables (e.g., body mass, body length, total wing area). These variables play a role in shaping the observed variation in WBF.
Order-Specific Ranges: The WBF varied significantly among orders:
Lepidopterans: 6.71–81.28 Hz
Neuropterans: 19.17–30.53 Hz
Odonatans: 18.35–38.01 Hz
Regression Models: The study established regression models linking WBF to morphological variables for each of the three orders.
References
- Yu W, Zhang H, Xu R, Sun Y, Wu K. Characterization of Wingbeat Frequency of Different Taxa of Migratory Insects in Northeast Asia. Insects. 2022; 13(6):520. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13060520
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