Wing flexibility improves bumblebee flight stability.

摘要: Insect wings do not contain intrinsic musculature to change shape, but rather bend and twist passively during flight. Some insect feature flexible joints along their veins that patches of resilin, a rubber-like protein. Bumblebee exhibit central resilin joint (1m-cu) has previously been shown improve vertical force production hovering In this study, we artificially stiffened bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) in vivo by applying micro-splint the 1m-cu joint, measured consequences for body stability forward flight both laminar turbulent airflow. flow, bees with exhibited significantly higher mean rotation rates standard deviation orientation about roll axis. Decreasing wing's flexibility increased its projected surface area relative oncoming airflow, likely increasing drag it experienced particular phases wing stroke. We hypothesize forces on decrease when left right encounter different flow conditions. Wing splinting also led small increase was statistically significant, possibly because changed behavior flow. Overall, found improves bumblebees, adding growing appreciation is merely an inevitable liability flapping flight, can enhance performance.