A WING‐LOCKING OR STRIDULATORY DEVICE IN LEPIDOPTERA

Abstract

Abstract A mechanism found in the Lepidoptera for locking the wings in the folded position is described, and its distribution in the Order discussed. In the Cossidae and some other larger Lepidoptera the unlocking of this device produces a distinctly audible sound. This may well reinforce the protective function of sudden wing‐flexing observed in the larger Xyleutes moths when they are disturbed.