Flower beetles and white fuzz

[Dany]

Jan 16, 2013 20:00:59 GMT -8 billgarthe said:

If I may pop in, I'd like to suggest that when you mount beetles in the flying position, you should have the elytras (green wing covers) out at 45 degree angles horizontally and approx. 45 degree angles upward if you want them to look natural in flight. A beetle has to get the elytra s "out of the way" for the membraneous wings to do the flying. I am only trying to help, not be negatively critical. If I get time, I will post a pic for if you would like.

I love this group of coleops and think you got some nice ones.

With good intentions,

Hi Bill, I see "natural flying position" in your Dynastidae as in those Cetoniidae
Elitras position is different when they fly...

Daniele

[Deleted]

Yes, it dawned on me that I should have used a Cetoniid pic, but I took a snapshot of the Dynastid because it was the first flying one I saw. The manner in which they fly is the same for both families. If I post another pic, I will put out a Cetoniid. There really is no need, though, since the elytra positioning is basically the same for all.

[Borja Gómez]

Hello

I think the position for flying in dynastidae and many other groups like cerambycidae or Lucanidae, is with the elytra parallel to the wings. In cetonidae this may be different as they can't open the elytra so much so they put the elytra in a 45 degree angle. Wich I don't know is if all the species do the same?

Here is an example



Regards

[lilstinkpot]

I always try to open elytra as far as possible; this guy's are as far as I could get them 45* up, but still parallel to the body. Tug and fiddle as hard as I dare, I could not get the wings out further, even though the beetle was very relaxed.

When I relax the last three I'll try again.

[Deleted]

Nice video B. Gomez... After seeing that, perhaps I'd best describe mine as 'taking off or landing' as opposed to outright flying