How do the resting wing positions of heteropterans and homopterans differ?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

The resting wing positions of heteropterans and homopterans differ significantly due to their distinct structural characteristics:

  • Heteropterans: When at rest, their forewings are held flat against the dorsal portion of the abdomen. The membranous apical portions of the wings overlap completely, covering the hindwings beneath them.1
  • Homopterans: In contrast, their forewings are held at a rooflike angle over the abdomen when at rest. These wings overlap only slightly along their inner apical margins.1

These differences in wing structure and resting position are key features historically used to distinguish between these two groups.12