Insect wings have six major
veins running from the base of the wing to its outer margin. Their primary function
is to provide the wing with structural support. |
|
C - 1st longitudinal vein, costa
(+) |
Sc - 2nd longitudinal vein, subcosta
(-) |
R - 3rd longitudinal vein, radius
(+) |
Rs - its major branch, radial
sector (-) |
M - 4th longitudinal vein, media
(+) |
MA - anterior branch of media
(+) |
MP - posterior branch of media
(-) |
Cu - 5th longitudinal vein, cubitus
(+) |
A - 6th longitudinal vein, anal
(+) |
|
Minor branches of these
veins are subscripted, i.e. R1,
R2, etc. |
As viewed dorsally, longitudinal wing veins are either convex (+) or
concave (-). |