Which family has clear wings that lack scales?

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 clear wings that lack scales?

Explanation:
Clear wings that lack scales come from a wing membrane that remains mostly bare of scales, letting light pass through. In the moth family Sesiidae, the wings are hyaline because scales are sparse or absent over large areas, giving a transparent look. This transparency is paired with a wasp-like shape and behavior, which helps sesiids blend into daytime environments and deter predators. The other families typically have wings covered with scales that produce color and pattern, so they don’t appear clear. Therefore, the family with clear, scale-free wings is the Sesiidae.

Clear wings that lack scales come from a wing membrane that remains mostly bare of scales, letting light pass through. In the moth family Sesiidae, the wings are hyaline because scales are sparse or absent over large areas, giving a transparent look. This transparency is paired with a wasp-like shape and behavior, which helps sesiids blend into daytime environments and deter predators. The other families typically have wings covered with scales that produce color and pattern, so they don’t appear clear. Therefore, the family with clear, scale-free wings is the Sesiidae.

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