Pterostigma

The pterostigma is a dark pigmented spot on the leading (front) edge of the wings of some species of insect. The spot is towards the wing tip and often stands out due to its colouration.

Experiments have shown that the pterostigma, being heavier than surrounding areas of the wing, helps the insect when gliding. In particular the pterostigma reduces vibrations within the wing.

The pterostigma is present in the fore and hind wings of dragonflies and damselflies. Other insects have pterostigmas in their fore wings such as some hymenoptera and neuroptera.

An illustration of the general structure of an insect wing.

Other names for (or types of) Pterostigma include:

• Stigma

Related terms

• Alary
• Costa
• Frenulum
• Hymenoptera
• Jugum
• Neuroptera
• Vein
• Venation

Related groups of terms

• Invertebrate body structure

Related pages on this web site

• Bees, Wasps and Ants - Order Hymenoptera
• Dragonflies and Damselflies - Order Odonata
• Insect body structure
• Insect wings
• Lacewings, Antlions & Mantidflies - Order Neuroptera

See other words beginning with P