Which family has a forewing basal vein that is strongly arched?

Study for the Science Olympiad Entomology Exam. Dive into entomology with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to help you ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which family has a forewing basal vein that is strongly arched?

Explanation:
Wing venation patterns are a key way to tell insect families apart. The forewing basal vein is a short vein near the wing base, and its shape can be diagnostic. In sweat bees (Halictidae), this basal vein is strongly arched, bending sharply as it runs toward the wing’s center. That pronounced arch is a reliable feature used in keys to recognize Halictidae and distinguish them from the other groups listed here. The other choices don’t share this distinctive arch in the forewing basal vein: some have different venation patterns, and one option is wingless, so it lacks a forewing vein at all.

Wing venation patterns are a key way to tell insect families apart. The forewing basal vein is a short vein near the wing base, and its shape can be diagnostic. In sweat bees (Halictidae), this basal vein is strongly arched, bending sharply as it runs toward the wing’s center. That pronounced arch is a reliable feature used in keys to recognize Halictidae and distinguish them from the other groups listed here. The other choices don’t share this distinctive arch in the forewing basal vein: some have different venation patterns, and one option is wingless, so it lacks a forewing vein at all.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy