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Insects

Two-wing Structure

The most distinctive feature of Diptera (true flies) is their two-wing structure: they have one pair of functional wings for flying, while the second pair is reduced to tiny, club-like halteres that act as gyroscopes to maintain balance and stability during flight.

True flies use only one pair of wings for flight.
The hindwings are modified into halteres—unique balancing organs.
Halteres vibrate and provide sensory feedback for precise aerial control.

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

Single Pair of Functional Wings

Diptera have a single pair of membranous, transparent wings attached to the middle thoracic segment (mesothorax), providing efficient forward propulsion and distinguishing them from most insects, which have two pairs of wings.

Only the front wings are used for flight.
The wings are transparent and membranous.
Wings emerge from the mesothorax.

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

Halteres: The Modified Hindwings

The reduced hindwings, called halteres, are small, club-shaped structures that act as gyroscopic sensors, detecting body rotations and helping maintain balance and stability during complex aerial maneuvers.

Halteres are evolved from the second pair of wings.
They function as balance organs.
Halteres enable precise flight control.

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

Evolutionary Advantage

The unique two-wing system of Diptera confers enhanced agility and maneuverability, enabling them to exploit diverse ecological niches, evade predators, and become efficient pollinators and decomposers.

Increased flight precision and control.
Ability to perform rapid aerial maneuvers.
Access to specialized ecological roles.

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

Commons:European Science Photo Competition 2015/Winners ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

Bactrocera dorsalis - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

Asynchronous muscles - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

Pieris brassicae - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

Lasioglossum aeneiventre - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

Amphiesmenoptera - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Dipteran-fly-structure.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

an uncommon fly - Rachicerus obscuripennis, Julie Metz Wet… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | The appendages behind the wings… | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Cranefly, Family Tipulidae | Genus and species unknown. The … | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

File:Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) female ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

File:Rhinophoridae (10.3897-zookeys.903.37775) Figure 9.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Diptera, Tabanidae | Horse fly / Mutuca | João P. Burini | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Kind of a fly | True flies are insects of the order Diptera … | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Palloptera.umbellatarum.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

Lovely wings | Diptera: Comptosia sp? These fly wings have s… | Flickr

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

File:Hind wings of Neotropic elaterids from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2 ...

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Minty green halteres | HFDF! I observed a number of these pr… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Tipulidae April 2008-2.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Halteres-Tipule.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

File:Limoniidae - cf. Metalimnobia quadrimaculata (Linnaeus, 1761 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

File:Strepsiptera.png - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Cranefly | Diptera: Tipulidae sp A lovely Crane-fly hiding i… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Anthomyia (quinquemaculata OR procellaris OR bazzini) fema… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera | True flies are insects of the order Diptera, the n… | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Diptera ( 1.2 mm) Ceratopogonidae: Atrichopogon sp. (?) | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

Mosca de Hoy | True flies are insects of the order Diptera (… | Flickr

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

File:Fly (Diptera) laying her eggs at the partially open mouth of ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

File:Celyphidae (Diptera) - Beetle fly (5485811841).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

File:Tropical moth fly (Diptera- Psychodidae) - indet. (5063895274 ...

commons.wikimedia.org

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

tropical moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) - indet. | Moth fli… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

peacock fly - Bohrfliege (Diptera: Tephritidae) | Phylum: Ar… | Flickr

Conclusion

The two-wing structure of Diptera, with functional forewings and balancing halteres, is a key adaptation that sets true flies apart, enabling precise and stable flight.

Diptera have one pair of wings for flying; hindwings become halteres.
Halteres provide balance and sensory feedback during flight.
This adaptation allows Diptera exceptional flight control and agility.