Wings act as a solar shield against solar radiation in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria

Abstract

Morphological traits in insects have frequently evolved multifunctional roles, including contributions to thermoregulation. Wings typically function in flight, but may also provide protection against intense solar radiation. In the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria , males are frequently exposed to intense solar radiation during lekking and mate-guarding, limiting behavioral thermoregulation. We tested the hypothesis that folded wings can act as passive thermal shields that reduce radiative heat gain in the abdomen. Using dried adult specimens mounted in a stilting posture, we measured abdominal surface temperature by thermal imaging under overhead irradiation, manipulating wing presence. Specimens with intact wings warmed more slowly and reached steady-state temperatures approximately 8°C lower than wingless specimens. Because behavioral and convective effects were excluded, this difference reflects purely physical shielding of the wings. These results demonstrate that locust wings can serve as passive solar radiative shields, highlighting their overlooked thermoregulatory role in desert environments.