Abstract
Using a high speed shutter camcorder changes of shape (twisting, camber and especially bending) of the wings of Aeshna cyanea [Muller 1764] and Sympetrum vulgatum [Linne 1758] were recorded in a natural environment during hovering, acceleration from hovering and fast vertical starting from a watching position. Extreme shape changes were documented via video prints. During normal flights (hovering, medium fast straight ahead flight) not the slightest wing bending was detected. Even at very fast beats during accelerations bending was small (mean bending angle β = 6°) but there are stronger shape changes in some few cases of extreme beating.The nodus is an element that allows for a certain local bending between the distal and basal wing part. It is working even at lower aerodynamical loading. Its morphology is functionally interpreted. Wing bending is simulated with Finite Element calculations and compared to the field observations.
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