Differences between the flight of birds and insects

·         Rate of wing beat per second is low

·         Air penetrates wing to reduce resistance

·         Muscles are attached on endoskeleton

·         Wing is thick, made up of bones, muscles and covered by feather

·         Keel extension for muscle attachment

·         Supply of oxygen to active muscles is indirect; through blood

·         Turbulence is prevented by bastard wing

·         Flight muscles have myoglobin

·         Rate of wing beat per second is high

·         Air does not penetrate wing

·         Muscles are attached on exoskeleton

·         Wing is thin, membranous and made of chitin; no feather

·         Muscles are attached to tergum and sternum

·         Supply of oxygen to active muscles is direct; through tracheal system.

·         Some insect orders have halters to prevent turbulence.

·         Flight muscles lack myoglobin