Question

Forewings are modified into pseudohaltere in the order

• A. Diptera
• B. Strepsiptera
• C. Mecoptera
• D. Thysanoptera

Hint:

Wing comparison:
Diptera $\rightarrow$ Hindwings modified into Halteres.
Strepsiptera $\rightarrow$ Forewings modified into Pseudohalteres.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Insects exhibit unique wing modifications that help them navigate, balance, and adapt to parasitic lifestyles.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us look at the wing adaptations in different insect orders:
In the order Diptera (true flies), the forewings are large and membranous, whereas the hindwings are modified into small, club-like sensory organs called halteres.
In the order Mecoptera (scorpionflies), both pairs of wings are long, narrow, and membranous.
In the order Thysanoptera (thrips), the wings are fringed with long hairs.
The order Strepsiptera (twisted-wing parasites) contains highly specialized endoparasitic insects.
The adult males are free-living and exhibit an unusual wing modification that is the exact reverse of Diptera.
Their forewings are reduced and modified into small, twisted, club-like balancing organs called pseudohalteres.
Their hindwings, on the other hand, are large, fan-like, and membranous, serving as the primary organs of flight.
Thus, the presence of pseudohalteres on the mesothorax (forewings) is a key diagnostic character of male Strepsiptera.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Forewings are modified into pseudohaltere in the order Strepsiptera.