# What is the evolutionary derivation of insect wings?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-derivation-of-insect-wings/507446>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 24, 2009, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-derivation-of-insect-wings/507446 "2009-08-24T01:40:46Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Jamicat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c67d28/32.png) [@Jamicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamicat)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2009, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-derivation-of-insect-wings/507446/21 "2009-08-25T05:16:31Z")

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I had to dig this short up…

[http://www.wimp.com/niceinfo/](http://www.wimp.com/niceinfo/)

I think when the discussion of a specific trait like wings, eyes, feathers…ect., on a specific creature. You have to go back before that specific trait was introduced on the evolutionary tree. Before, you can deduce how that specific circumstance came about.  
Talking about half winged beetles with blind optic nerves sticking out there heads, just complicates any explanation for no reason.

They(creationists) like to do that, so I have seen, heard and read about.

That small video gives a better explanation of the complexities on the tree of evolution.

Necessity is the mother of invention. 🆒

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**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\
**Post date:** [August 26, 2009, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-derivation-of-insect-wings/507446/22 "2009-08-26T17:12:01Z")

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> [@MrDibble](#):
>
> [Darkling beetles](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alogenius_cavifrons.jpg) from Namibia and Western South Africa. Locally known as tok-tokkies for their knocking on wood with their abdomens (like deathwatch beetles do)

Thanks, I knew I’d seen something like that. 🙂

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**Author:** ![Henrichek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5daacb/32.png) [@Henrichek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henrichek)\
**Post date:** [August 26, 2009, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-derivation-of-insect-wings/507446/23 "2009-08-26T17:35:58Z")

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> [@Jamicat](#):
>
> I had to dig this short up…
> 
> [http://www.wimp.com/niceinfo/](http://www.wimp.com/niceinfo/)

Thanks. That was both informative and hilarious :).

I certainly can’t speak for as long as he can without taking a breath.

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