Scaling of Flight Energetics, Mechanics and Muscle Physiology of Synchronous Flying Insects

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This study will examine the power production of closely related insects over a wide size range using three different approaches. First the metabolic rate will be measured for these animals in free flight. Second, using video of the animals in flight analyzed frame by frame and aerodynamic theory the mechanical power requirements can be calculated. Third, the muscle of the same species will be examined directly to measure their maximal force production using standard physiological techniques. The muscles will be examined under electronmicroscopy to determine the magnitude of force producing components (myofibrils) and aerobic energy production (mitochondria). All these components will be determined over a wide size range of moths to examine the role of size change in muscle function.