pterostigma

Insect wing patch

A pterostigma is a thickened, often pigmented cell near the tip of an insect's wing, especially visible in dragonflies, damselflies, and some wasps.

This small opaque patch helps regulate wing vibration during flight, acting as a counterweight that improves aerodynamic efficiency: The pterostigma on each forewing was distinctly darker than the surrounding membrane.

taxonomy

dragonfly

Large-eyed flying predator

specimen · identification · species · morphology · phylogeny · speciation

anatomy

vein

Vessel toward heart

chitin · cell · node · costa · wing · thickening · opacity · pigmentation · microstructure · leading edge

flight

stability

Resistance to displacement

  • balanceSteadiness or amount owed
  • glideMove with effortless continuity
  • hoverRemain suspended midair

flutter · aerodynamics · maneuverability · pitch · yaw · inertia · oscillation · damping · airflow · lift

appearance

marking

Indicating with symbols

  • spotMark or location
  • patchMaterial covering damage
  • pigmentColor-imparting material

coloration · opacity · dark · pale · banding · contrast · iridescence · pattern · hue · tint

Categories
Family

stigma, helicopter, archaeopteryx, astigmatism, pterosaur, pterodactyl, gyrocopter, pterosaurs, ornithopter

Familiarity
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