• primitive moths

    TITLE: lepidopteran: Thorax
    SECTION: Thorax
    The forewings and hind wings on each side are coupled together in various ways. In primitive moths a fingerlike lobe on the forewing overlaps the base of the hind wing. In most moths a strong bristle or cluster of bristles (frenulum) near the base of the hind wing engages a catch (retinaculum) on the forewing. In some moths and in the skippers and butterflies, the frenulum mechanism has been...