hindwing

Or hind wing

[hahynd-wing]

noun

Entomology.

1. either of the pair of second, posterior, or metathoracic wings of an insect.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hindwing¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Check the underside of the hindwing, where differences are most apparent.

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Ermine moths produce ultrasonic clicking sounds twice per wingbeat cycle using a minute corrugated membrane in their hindwing.

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Both males and females also make a buzzing noise by rubbing the forewing against the hindwing when they sense danger.

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But when Rubin enlarged the polyphemus hindwing lobe, twice as many escaped the bat’s sonar, or echolocation system.

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Moth tails vary from species to species: Some have big lobes at the bottom of the hindwing instead of a distinctive tail; others have just a short protrusion.

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