Insect wings can make a good introduction to entomology, the study of insects. Most insect groups are named after their type of wings.

Scroll down to see several types of insect wings.


The wings of lacewings (Neuroptera) have many evenly spread veins. These give the wings their strength.


Beetles (Coleoptera) use their hind wings for flight. The front wings are hardened to form a protective shield. The image shows how the flight wings are folded so they can fit under the front wings.

The wing of this waterboatman, an aquatic bug (Hemiptera) has a delicate pattern.

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The fragile wing of a mosquito (Diptera). If you smash a mosquito very carefully you can enjoy the beauty of its wings!