The function of resilin in honeybee wings

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Zoology
• Aerodynamics

Background:

• Understanding the mechanics of insect flight is crucial for fields like bio-inspired robotics and aerodynamics.
• The role of specific biological structures, like resilin, in enabling complex flight maneuvers remains an area of active research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morphological characteristics of worker honeybee (Apis mellifera) wings.
• To demonstrate the function of resilin in altering wing camber during flapping flight.

Main Methods:

• Detailed morphological analysis of honeybee wings, focusing on dorsal and ventral surface characteristics.
• Identification and localization of resilin distribution within the wing structure.
• High-speed photography from three orthogonal views to capture wing profile changes during free flight.

Main Results:

• Distinct surface characteristics were observed on the dorsal and ventral wing sides, with a critical linking structure between forewing and hindwing.
• Resilin stripes were present on both dorsal and ventral wing surfaces, while resilin patches were predominantly on the ventral side.
• Five flexion lines and three camber types (concave, flat plate, convex) were identified, defining wing deformation mechanisms along the chord.
• Periodic changes in the coupled-wing profile were recorded, confirming that wing deformation is fundamental to variable flight shapes.
• The flat wing profile was observed to facilitate a smooth transition between downstrokes and upstrokes.

Conclusions:

• The morphological features and resilin distribution in honeybee wings are integral to their flapping flight capabilities.
• Resilin plays a key role in enabling passive wing deformation, contributing to variable camber and efficient flight.
• The observed wing deformation mechanisms, particularly the flat profile transition, are fundamental properties for honeybee flight.