At-Rest Setal Wing Coupling and Restraining Mechanisms in the Encyrtidae and Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In many encyrtids and aphelinids, dorsal setae bordering one or both sides of the hairless streak of one fore wing engage the retinaculum of the opposite fore wing. Also, in these and many other chalcidoid families, ventral setae near the anterior margin of each fore wing catch the leading edge of the hind wing on the same side of the body. In encyrtids and aphelinids, these mechanisms may help to prevent contamination of the wings by honeydew produced by their homopterous hosts.