Exp. 13. Removed one-third from the posterior margin of the first and second pairs of wings. Flight in no wise impaired.
If more than a third of each wing is cut away from the posterior or thin margin, the insect can still fly, but with effort.
Experiment 13 shows that the posterior or thin flexible margins of the wings may be dispensed with in flight. They are more especially engaged in propelling. Compare with experiments 1 and 2.
Exp. 14. The extremities or tips of the first and second pair of wings may be detached to the extent of one-third, without diminishing the power of flight. Compare with experiments 5 and 6.
If the mutilation be carried further, flight is laboured, and in some cases destroyed.
Exp. 15. When the front edges of the first and second pairs of wings are notched or when they are removed, flight is completely destroyed. Compare with experiments 3, 4, and 9.
This shows that a certain degree of stiffness is required for the front edges of the wings, the front edges indirectly supporting the back edges. It is, moreover, on the front edges of the wings that the pressure falls in flight, and by these edges the major portions of the wings are attached to the body. The principal movements of the wings are communicated to these edges.
Butterfly.—Exp. 16. Removed posterior halves of the first pair of wings of white butterfly. Flight perfect.
Exp. 17. Removed posterior halves of first and second pairs of wings. Flight not strong but still perfect. If additional portions of the posterior wings were removed, the insect could still fly, but with great effort, and came to the ground at no great distance.
Exp. 18. When the tips (outer sixth) of the first and second pairs of wings were cut away, flight was in no wise impaired. When more was detached the insect could not fly.