Chapter 1

Introduction

N. Chari and Ponna Srinivas

Abstract A brief account of morphological and anatomical features of an ideal

flying insect has been mentioned. Flight apparatus of insects, in its structure basically

differs from that of Homeotherm fliers, such as those of birds and bats. Structurally

they are analogous type. Postembryonic development involves metamorphosis as in

housefly and silkworm which is regulated by endocrinegland secretions. Morpho-

functional–anatomical features of insect flight study helps in designing micro aerial

vehicles (MAV).

Keywords Morphology · Anatomy · Chitinous wings · Flight apparatus · Resilin ·

Metamorphosis · Biomimicking aerial vehicles

Introduction

Entomology is the branch of Zoology that deals with the study of insects (Entomon—

insect and Logos—discourse). Insects are the most successful class of fliers in the

animal kingdom and they constitute nearly seventy-five per cent of the recorded

fauna with their ability to fly. Insect flight is a technical marvel of nature, devel-

oped during the course of the prolonged period of evolution. These are miniature

flyers. Flying for nearly three hundred million years successfully and feeding on

plants such as Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms and Angiosperms in a warm and

humid climate. Insect flight apparatus has evolved denovo as compared to other

‘natural fliers’ phylogenetically and structurally. Insects are the only invertebrates

that have the flying capacity in the animal kingdom. An understanding of insect

aerodynamics requires an inter-disciplinary approach involving bio-physical, math-

ematical, aeronautical and nanotechnological approaches. They are the most diverse

fliers in contrast to birds and bats. Insect bio-diversity accounts for their successful

adaptation to various ecological niches and their survival and migratory capability. As

N. Chari (B)

Kakatiya University, Warangel, India

P. Srinivas

DR. BR Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad, India

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021

N. Chari et al. (eds.), Biophysics of Insect Flight, Springer Series in Biophysics 22,

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5184-7_1

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