All three hypothesis suggest that wings derived from small 'winglet' type contraptions, and then evolved to become larger, more articulated and directly powered by muscle. Here we will explore different theories on the origins of insect flight, and how they fit in with the different wing theories.
Floating and Paragliding
This idea ties in directly with the paranotal hypothesis as it implies that a structure such as the paranotal lobe could have easily caught convection air currents and carried the insect passively (Thomas and Norberg, 1996). However, in order for this to work the insect must be very small with small wings in order to gain full aerodynamics. As large wings are needed for flapping flight, it is unlikely that floating was the precursor to active flight as they would have created too much drag (Brodsky, 1994). Paragliding has already been excluded as a precursor to active flight (see wing origins, paranotal hypothesis).
Jumping and Running
This idea does not directly stem from any of the wing hypothesis, although it could be related to the exite-endite theory. Jumping is unlikely to have lead to active flight as one leap only allows for limited gliding or flight, which would not require the use of actively flapping wings (Thomas and Norberg, 1996). Running could have lead to active flight, although the velocity required to generate lift has not been observed in any extant insect species, rendering this idea unlikely (Gullan and Cranston, 2010).
Surface-skimming
This idea directly links the epicoxal hypothesis to active flight. Surface-skimming consists of insect movement across water propelled by wing flapping, whilst constant contact with the surface of the water decreases the need for total aerodynamic weight support (Marden and Kramer, 1994). This locomotion technique is used by some adult stoneflies and subadult mayflies, making it a perfect link between swimming and flying. However, surface-skimming could have easily derived from flying as there is no geological evidence to suggest that surface-skimming evolved first.
Floating and Paragliding
This idea ties in directly with the paranotal hypothesis as it implies that a structure such as the paranotal lobe could have easily caught convection air currents and carried the insect passively (Thomas and Norberg, 1996). However, in order for this to work the insect must be very small with small wings in order to gain full aerodynamics. As large wings are needed for flapping flight, it is unlikely that floating was the precursor to active flight as they would have created too much drag (Brodsky, 1994). Paragliding has already been excluded as a precursor to active flight (see wing origins, paranotal hypothesis).
Jumping and Running
This idea does not directly stem from any of the wing hypothesis, although it could be related to the exite-endite theory. Jumping is unlikely to have lead to active flight as one leap only allows for limited gliding or flight, which would not require the use of actively flapping wings (Thomas and Norberg, 1996). Running could have lead to active flight, although the velocity required to generate lift has not been observed in any extant insect species, rendering this idea unlikely (Gullan and Cranston, 2010).
Surface-skimming
This idea directly links the epicoxal hypothesis to active flight. Surface-skimming consists of insect movement across water propelled by wing flapping, whilst constant contact with the surface of the water decreases the need for total aerodynamic weight support (Marden and Kramer, 1994). This locomotion technique is used by some adult stoneflies and subadult mayflies, making it a perfect link between swimming and flying. However, surface-skimming could have easily derived from flying as there is no geological evidence to suggest that surface-skimming evolved first.