As promised, I contacted the Discovery channel and got the transcripts for the April 7 show. There was a story about how fruit flies fly. It's attached to this answer.

This is a very interesting question. Just a few days ago, there was a new discovery about bugs' wings that was announced on the Discovery channel. We will try to get the transcript of that news cast to you. In the meantime, our biologist expert, Marisa R., gave us this answer.

Most insects have wings and can fly at some stage in their life. (in which stage a butterfly can fly?) Insect wings are thin and light and are stiffened by a network of tubes called veins. Strong muscles in the mdidle section of the insect provides the power for flapping. These muscles can make the wings go up and down. When the wing goes up and down fast, this makes the insect fly.

Books in Grant Library:

Insects: How to Watch and Understand the Busy World of Insects by Steve Parker

Code No. 595.7 PAR

Facts About Insects by Elizabeth Cooper Code No. 595.7 COO

Transcript of @Discovery.ca April 7 1995

* 07-Apr-95 18:44

>> JAY: In science news, the

amazing flight of the fruit

fly.

Insects like fruit flies consume

even morm enormous amounts of

energy flying, but how do they

do it?{cr} Their muscles aren't

efficient enough on their own

to provide the necessary power.

Now a team of American scientists

has proved they store energy,

just like a spring stores energy

when you squeeze it.

The scientists measured the

energy consumption of the

fruit flies and they have found

the energy is stored momentarily

when they rest and then releaseed

to get the wings moving for

the next flight.

The hinge of the wing contains

RESOLIN, one of the most

elastic materials known.

>> JUDY: A fly with springs!{cr}

I really like that.

>> JAY: Indeed.

>> JUDY: And that flies us to

the end of another show.

And another week of at discovery

Canada.