Journal of the Royal Society, InterfaceAnimalsFlightAnimalWingsWasps
Muscle power output reflects elevated viscosity in the propulsion system of flying miniature wasps.
Amir Sarig, Thomas Engels, Fritz-Olaf Lehmann, Gal Ribak
Published: 202510.1098/rsif.2025.0416
Abstract
Air viscosity compromises aerodynamic lift production in the smallest flying insects, leading to increased flight costs. Miniature insects thus utilize both lift and drag for weight support, but the exact energetic costs of wing flapping at low Reyno…
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