Locust Wing Under the Microscope
Locust Wing (Whole Mount), Locusta migratoria
This slide shows part of a locust wing mounted whole and unstained. Locust wings are strengthened by a dense net of veins, which helps them fly long distances in swarms.
This whole mount shows part of a locust wing (Locusta migratoria), with no stain added. The wing is a thin, see-through sheet called the membrane. Thick, dark veins run along the length of the wing and make it strong. Smaller cross veins connect them into a net of small boxes called cells, and some areas of the membrane are shaded brown with natural pigment. Students can trace how the veins brace the thin wing so it can stay stiff during flight.
What to look for
- Wing membrane: The thin, see-through sheet between the veins.
- Longitudinal veins: Thick, dark veins running along the length of the wing.
- Cross veins: Smaller veins linking the long veins.
- Cells: The many small enclosed areas that give the wing a net-like look.
Questions and answers
What does a locust wing look like under a microscope?
A locust wing is a thin membrane supported by thick, dark main veins and many smaller cross veins, forming a net-like pattern of small cells.
How are grasshopper and locust front and hind wings different?
The front wings are narrow and leathery and protect the hind wings when resting. The hind wings are broad, thin, and fold like a fan under the front wings.
- Category
- Invertebrates
- Scan magnification
- 20x
- Stain
- Unstained
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.