INSECT WING

Quantitative Analysis of Paleontological Record. Surface Laser Scanning of Fossil Insect Wings.

Palaeontology,Vol.47,Part1,2004,pp.13±19 Bethoux, Mcbride, Maul.

Wing venation is a key metric in the taxonomy of fossilised insects however the majority of information available is qualitative rather than quantitative: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.0031-0239.2004.00344.x/epdf

Optical measurement of these samples not only a valuable, non-invasive investigative tool but also provides a highly precise record that can be rapidly and repeatably disseminated among palaeoentomological research facilities.

Further, the information allows the accurate modelling of the features for use in biomechanical simulation of the structures. Through the measurement of fossil records with a XYris 4000CL the pattern of venation, vein relief, thickness and wing cambering were obtained.