EVOLUTION AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECT FLIGHT KINEMATICS

Classification of the main types of insect in-flight kinematics is proposed here, based on comparative data of wing movement during flapping flight. By comparing the described kinematic patterns with the results of studies of the vortex-wake structures of flying insects, these patterns can be explained as adaptations for overcoming the negative effects of mutual deceleration of fore- and hind wing starting vortex bubbles, which take place in insects with the most primitive type of wing kinematics. The aerodynamic efficiency of the flying system can be decreased if natural selection favors behavioral patterns that involve suboptimal wing kinematics.