Forest Entomology Insect Wings Insect wings vary in size, shape, texture, and color. Adult insects usually bear two pair of wings located on the thorax. The front pair is located on the mesothorax and are termed the mesothoracic wings . The hind wings are located on the metathorax and are termed the metathoracic wings . The prothorax does not bear wings.
Some insects are wingless or have only one pair of wings.
Of those that are wingless, some are primitively wingless and others are secondarily wingless . Primitively wingless insects are those which never evolved wings and are typically very primitive insects. Wing number, form and venation are important diagnostic tools. There are four major wing types. The most common wing form is membranous with a system of veins which give strength and rigidity.