Indirect flight muscles

Definition

Muscles in insects that do not attach directly to the wings but rather to the thorax, causing deformation of the thoracic exoskeleton to generate wing movement.

Etymology

From Latin 'indirectus', meaning 'not straight', and 'musculus', meaning 'little mouse' (referring to the shape and movement of muscles).

Example

Bees and flies utilize indirect flight muscles to power their rapid wing beats.

Synonyms

• Asynchronous flight muscles

Related Terms

• Direct flight muscles
• Thorax
• Wing movement

Usage Notes

Indirect flight muscles are characteristic of higher Diptera (flies) and Hymenoptera (bees, ants, and wasps) and allow for fast and efficient wing beats.