Question

In Periplaneta americana the first and second pair of wings arise from

• A. prothorax only
• B. mesothorax only
• C. mesothorax and metathorax respectively
• D. prothorax and metathorax respectively

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

mesothorax and metathorax respectively

Answer 2

Cockroach has two pairs of wings. One pair of wings are attached dorso-laterally between tergum and pleuron of both mesothorax and meta thorax. Mesothoracic or fore wings are heavily sclerotized. They are narrow, dark opaque and leathery in texture. They are not used in flight but serve to protect the hindwings at rest. Hence they are known as elytra, wing covers or tegmina. Metathoradc or hindwings are thin, membranous, transparent, broad, delicate and used in flight. They are kept folded like a fan under the tegmina, when at rest.