NEETZoologyStructural Organisation in Animals
Which of the following correctly describes the wings that arise from the mesothorax of a cockroach?
Options
- AOpaque, dark and leathery wings called tegmina
- BTransparent, membranous wings used in flight
- CLeathery, dark wings that are primarily used in flight
- DOpaque, dark wings called halteres
Correct answer
A. Opaque, dark and leathery wings called tegmina
Step-by-step solution
In a cockroach, the first pair of wings arises from the mesothorax and is known as forewings or tegmina. Tegmina are opaque, dark, and leathery. They cover the hindwings when at rest and are not used in flight. The hindwings arise from the metathorax and are transparent, membranous, and used in flight. Halteres are reduced hindwings found in dipterans (like mosquitoes and houseflies), not in cockroaches. Answer: Opaque, dark and leathery wings called tegmina