Dragonfly Wing Under the Microscope
Dragonfly Wing (Whole Mount), Anisoptera
This slide shows part of a dragonfly wing mounted whole. The network of veins makes a light but strong frame, and it is a nice example of how structure supports function.
This is a whole mount of part of a dragonfly wing (suborder Anisoptera), with no stain added. The wing is a thin, clear membrane held in a frame of brown veins. Thick main veins run along the length of the wing, and shorter cross veins link them to form a grid of small boxes. This network keeps the wing stiff and strong while keeping it light, which helps dragonflies hover and turn quickly. The pattern of veins differs between groups of dragonflies, so scientists use it to tell them apart.
What to look for
- Wing membrane: The thin, clear sheet between the veins.
- Longitudinal veins: Main veins running along the length of the wing, dark amber in color.
- Cross veins: Many short veins connecting the main veins.
- Cells: The small enclosed areas of membrane between veins, forming a net-like pattern.
Questions and answers
What does a dragonfly wing look like under a microscope?
A dragonfly wing is a thin, clear membrane held in a dense network of dark veins. The main veins run along the wing and many short cross veins link them, forming lots of small cells.
Why do dragonfly wings have so many veins?
The network of veins makes the wing stiff and strong while keeping it light. This helps dragonflies hover, turn quickly, and even fly backward.
- Category
- Invertebrates
- Scan magnification
- 20x
Viewing this slide in class
This is a scan of a real prepared slide, not a simulation or a drawing. On StudyScope you can pan from the whole slide down to individual structures, always in focus, and measure them in real micrometers with the calibrated ruler. Present it live and every student screen follows your view and annotations. Students join with a room code on Chromebooks, iPads, or any browser, with no accounts.