resilin

protein

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Resilin is an elastic protein found in insects that plays a crucial role in their locomotion, particularly in jumping and flight. This protein functions similarly to elastic materials in physics, absorbing energy from a movement, such as a leap, and then releasing it to propel the insect. In insects like grasshoppers and fleas, muscles compress pads of resilin. When this stored energy is released, it allows the insect to project itself into the air. This remarkable elasticity contributes significantly to the efficiency of insect movement.12

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flea
Form and function
…a rubbery protein known as resilin forms a hinge where the wings attach to the body. Resilin absorbs compression and tension created during each wing stroke, and the stored energy is transferred through an elastic recoil-like effect to assist in the initiation of each successive stroke. Fleas, despite their wingless…
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…a rubbery protein known as resilin forms a hinge where the wings attach to the body. Resilin absorbs compression and tension created during each wing stroke, and the stored energy is transferred through an elastic recoil-like effect to assist in the initiation of each successive stroke. Fleas, despite their wingless…
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insect
Thorax
…pad of an elastic protein, resilin; when the catch mechanism is released, the stored energy in the protein molecule is used to project the insect into the air. Insect flight is achieved by flapping the wings; during these movements the wing blade, twisted as it passes from elevation to depression,…
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…pad of an elastic protein, resilin; when the catch mechanism is released, the stored energy in the protein molecule is used to project the insect into the air. Insect flight is achieved by flapping the wings; during these movements the wing blade, twisted as it passes from elevation to depression,…
Read More