Aspect Ratio Wing Research Articles

Industrially Inspired Gust Loads Analysis of Various-Aspect-Ratio Wings Featuring Geometric Nonlinearity

This paper considers the effect of geometric nonlinearity on gust load analyses of high-aspect-ratio commercial aircraft. Three variants of a conceptual aircraft, featuring wing aspect ratios of 10, 18, and 26, are sized using an industrially inspired procedure to obtain realistic structures of existing and future designs. These aircraft are modeled in a nonlinear aeroelastic framework, featuring a geometrically exact beam formulation coupled with unsteady aerodynamics, and subjected to a gust loads process adapted for nonlinear systems. The gust analysis is also carried out using a linear approach (linearizing the equations of motion about an undeformed or trimmed geometry) to understand how nonlinearities influence the loads and dynamic behavior of aircraft as the aspect ratio increases. Load envelopes show that vertical shear and bending moments are predicted well by the linear analyses, even for the aspect-ratio-26 case, providing that the linearization is performed about the trimmed geometry. In contrast, the in-plane and axial loads are significantly underestimated using linear analyses. Torque behavior is problem specific and therefore difficult to generalize. Even on the aspect-ratio-10 case, which would traditionally be considered as a linear problem, it can be shown that the torque loads are considerably affected by nonlinearity.

Aspect ratio studies on insect wings

The wing aspect ratio (AR), that is, the ratio of the wingspan to the mean wing chord, is the most important geometrical parameter describing an insect wing. While studies have shown that a change in AR affects the flow structure as well as the aerodynamic force components on wings, the reasons behind the wide variety of aspect ratios observed in nature remain underexplored. Further to this, motivated by the developments in micro-air vehicles (MAVs), determining an optimum AR is important for their efficient operation. While the effects on flow structure appear to be, at least superficially, broadly consistent across different studies, the effects on aerodynamic forces have been more strongly debated. Indeed, the considerable variation of force coefficients with AR in different studies suggests different optimal ARs. To help explain this, recent studies have pointed out the coupled effects of AR with other parameters. Specifically, the use of Reynolds and Rossby numbers based on alternative scalings helps to at least partially decouple the effects of AR and also to reconcile previous conflicting trends. This brief review presents an overview of previous studies on aspect-ratio effects of insectlike wings summarizing the main findings. The suggested alternative scalings of Reynolds and Rossby numbers, using the wingspan as the characteristic length, may be useful in aiding the selection of the optimal aspect ratios for MAVs in the future.

Echolocation and Stratum Preference: Key Trait Correlates of Vulnerability of Insectivorous Bats to Tropical Forest Fragmentation

Habitat loss and fragmentation rank high amongst the most pressing threats to biodiversity. Understanding how variation in functional traits is associated with species vulnerability in fragmented landscapes is central to the design of effective conservation strategies. Here, we used a whole-ecosystem ecological experiment in the Central Amazon to investigate which functional traits of aerial-hawking insectivorous bats best predict their sensitivity to forest fragmentation. During 2014, bats were surveyed using passive bat recorders in six continuous forest sites, eight forest fragments, eight fragment edges, and eight forest clearings. The interaction between functional traits, environmental characteristics, and species distribution was investigated using a combination of RLQ and fourth-corner analyses. Our results showed that echolocation call structure, vertical stratification, and wing aspect ratio were the strongest predictors of sensitivity to forest fragmentation. Frequency of maximum energy, body mass, and relative wing loading did not show any correlation with the environmental variables. Bat species with constant-frequency calls were associated with high vegetation density, being more susceptible to forest fragmentation than species with frequency-modulated calls. Vertical stratum preference was also correlated with vegetation structure, indicating that understory species were more sensitive to forest loss than canopy species. Finally, species with high aspect ratio wings were linked to forest edges and clearings. Our findings suggest that species functional traits determine the vulnerability of aerial-hawking insectivorous bats toward fragmentation and, similarly, environmental conditions determine if a species is likely to become locally extinct due to fragmentation. Preserving structurally complex forests will be crucial to ensure the long-term persistence of the most sensitive and vulnerable species of this bat ensemble in fragmented landscapes across the Neotropics.

Influence of aspect ratio on wing–wake interaction for flapping wing in hover

The interaction between an insect wing and its wake during hovering flight is inevitable. The effect of this wing–wake interaction (WWI) during stroke reversal is an intricate phenomenon that is difficult to forecast. Previous studies have mostly concentrated on the effect of aspect ratio (AR) on the leading-edge vortex (LEV) at the middle of stroke motion. However, the effect of AR on LEV during stroke reversal, which is where the intricate WWI phenomenon occurs, has not been fully exploited. This study aimed at revealing how AR affects WWI during stroke reversal at Re of ~ 104, and the role LEV plays. The experimental time-course measurement of force showed that the WWI at stroke reversal was strengthened by decreasing AR irrespective of pitching duration. A time-varying digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) measurement revealed a jet-like flow induced by a pair of counter-rotating trailing edge vortex (TEV) as the primitive source of the interaction. This study found a WWI that appeared at the wing root contrary to the conventional type in literature, which appeared at the wing tip. The size of the LEV at the wing root played a key role by facilitating the effectiveness of the wing rotation. AR = 2 wing benefited much from this form of WWI by generating strong coherent shear layer at the end of stroke, and relatively weak LEV during stroke reversal. Thus, this type of WWI might be mostly beneficial for low AR wings (AR < 3).

Aerodynamics performance of glider GL-1 based on computational fluid dynamics in optimum flight conditions

Glider GL-1 is designed as a national glider of Indonesia for aero sport gliding activity and fall into category of 15 meters class by FAI (world’s air sport federation). In preliminary design phase, design requirements are derived from thermal updraft condition of Indonesia which lead to maximum rate of descent of 3 m/s and maximum turning radius of 150 m. GL-1 has wing area of 12 m2 and wing aspect ratio of 17. Wing span of GL-1 is 14.283 m with length of fuselage is 6.795 m. Performance study in preliminary design gives two optimum flight conditions for GL-1 to glide, which is maximum range condition and maximum endurance condition. In maximum range condition, with maximum aerodynamics efficiency between 24 to 30, GL-1 has a velocity of 20 – 25 m/s with density of 1.225 kg/m3. In maximum endurance condition, GL-1 has a velocity of 17 – 20 m/s with the same density and minimum rate of descent between 0.66 – 1.1 m/s. Reynolds number is between 1 – 1.5 million. This paper present CFD simulation result for both optimum flight conditions predicted in preliminary design that carried out at velocity of 25 m/s for maximum range condition and 17.5 m/s for maximum endurance condition. By using full-glider meshing with total element of about 11 million, a maximum aerodynamics efficiency of 21 is obtained for maximum range condition with lift coefficient of 0.91. While minimum rate of descent for maximum endurance condition of 0.87 m/s is obtained.

Assessment of the fuel efficiency of unmanned cargo aircraft, based on general aviation aircraft

This study was motivated by the globally increasing interest in unmanned cargo drones. It was focused particularly on cargo drones based on existing conventional general aviation airplanes and it should be regarded as a preliminary step towards the complex assessment of unmanned cargo aircraft transport systems. The aim was to estimate the fuel efficiency of such drones and to outline the optimums of some of their key design characteristics. A sample of 26 very light and light aircraft, and motorgliders was examined. The data was taken from open sources. The results outline that for best fuel economy the cargo drone should be a composite structure, piston engine airplane with wing aspect ratio of 10 to 12. Fuel efficiency estimation at distances of 500 to 2500 km shows that such cargo drones would be competitive with large piloted commercial cargo airplanes as well as with the road transport.

Effect of Aerodynamic Configuration Parameters on Lateral-Directional Stability of Double-Swept Flying Wing Aircraft

Poor lateral-directional stability due to the absence of vertical stabilizer is a great risk to the aircraft with flying wing layout. In this paper, an unmanned aerial vehicle with this kind of configuration is chosen as the research object. A three-dimensional model of the unmanned aerial vehicle is established, and then the sensitivity analysis is performed to obtain the effects of main aerodynamic shape parameters on lateral-directional flying quality. The results show that the roll mode and spiral mode of the aircraft meet the requirements of Level 1 flying quality in MIL-F-8785C. But the Dutch roll mode is generally divergent, which means that the flying quality of the aircraft is unacceptable. Thus it can be seen that the Dutch roll mode is the key to the dynamic stability of the aircraft. Further studies show that increasing the value of wing aspect ratio or decreasing the values of dihedral angle and torsion angle are useful for improving the Dutch roll mode. It is valuable to reveal the influence mechanism of aerodynamic shape parameters on lateral-directional flying quality for the design of flying wing aircraft.

Evolution of Traditional Aerodynamic Variables in Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) within a Comprehensive Phylogenetic Framework

Chiroptera is the only group of mammals capable of powered flight. The mechanical basis of bat flight is well established, but evolution of its constituent aerodynamic variables remains poorly understood. Here, we determine the macroevolutionary patterns of traditional aerodynamic variables (wing loading, aspect ratio, tip shape index) in a comprehensive phylogeny of Chiroptera using an extensive dataset including key Eocene fossils. We optimized variables as continuous characters and fit models of character evolution to identify shifts in character optima. The reconstructed ancestral chiropteran morphotype presented low wing loading and low-to-intermediate aspect ratio, and remained unaltered for much of the first half of bat evolution (Paleogene). This evolutionary pattern may be explained by stabilizing selection responding to the strong constraints imposed by echolocation and flight on body size, and the physical constraints regarding aerodynamic efficiency acting on wing shape. Posterior specialization in some groups permitted divergence toward novel aerodynamic morphotypes in the second half of chiropteran evolutionary history (Neogene). We linked the most notable aerodynamic changes to ecological release from echolocation constraints (Pteropodidae), dietary-foraging shifts (Phyllostomidae, Noctilionidae), or advantage in face of environmental changes (Molossidae, Taphozoinae). The independently-evolved specialization of fast, enduring flight that allowed Molossidae and Taphozoinae (Emballonuridae) to perform aerial hawking of swarming insects in open spaces was linked to significant shifts in the optima of both wing loading and aspect ratio. These shifts were probably associated with the gradual spread of open-mosaic landscapes at a global scale since the Oligocene.

Experimental Investigation of Seabird-Like Wings in Ground Effect

Seabirds are birds that are adapted to life within the marine environment. They usually fly over and close to the surface of the sea during hunting for food. It is believed that the shapes of their wing structures may have advantages in flying proximity to the surface of the sea better than other birds. It is expected that the study of the characteristics of these wing shapes is useful to the wing in ground effect (WIG) design. Hence, this research aims to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of various seabird-like wings in proximity of the ground. The wings with and without ground effect are aerodynamically tested in a close circuit low speed wind tunnel of 1 m. × 1 m. test section and at free stream velocity of 40 m/s or Reynolds Number of 240,000. The test results show the effect of ground proximity to the aerodynamic performance of the wings, such as the lift coefficients, the drag coefficients, and the lift to drag ratio, at variety of angles of attack. The stall characteristics are also investigated. The aerodynamic performances of the seabird-like wings are also compared to the rectangular wing of the same aspect ratio. It is concluded that the wings of seabird like shapes provide better aerodynamic performance when in ground effect compared to the normal rectangular wing.

Bat sonar and wing morphology predict species vertical niche.

The use of echolocation allows insectivorous bats to access unique foraging niches by locating obstacles and prey with ultrasounds in complete darkness. To avoid interspecific competition, it is likely that sonar features and wing morphology co-evolved with species vertical distribution, but due to the technical difficulties of studying flight in the vertical dimension, this has never been demonstrated with empirical measurements. The authors equipped 48 wind masts with arrays of two microphones and located the vertical distribution of a community of 19 bat species and two species groups over their annual activity period (>8000 nights). The authors tested the correlation between the proportion of flights at height and the acoustic features of bat calls as well as their wing morphology. The authors found that call peak frequency and bandwidth are good predictors of bat use of the vertical space regardless of their acoustic strategies (i.e., gleaning, hawking, or detecting prey flutter). High wing aspect ratios and high wing loadings were associated with high proportions of time spent at height, confirming hypotheses from the literature.

Wing morphology predicts geographic range size in vespertilionid bats

Why some species are widespread across continents while others are confined geographically remains an open question in ecology and biogeography. Previous research has attempted to explain interspecific variation in geographic range size based on differences in dispersal ability. However, the relationship between dispersal ability and geographic range size remains uncertain, particularly in mammals. The goal of this study is to test whether geographic range size can be predicted by dispersal capacity among vespertilionid bats within a phylogenetic comparative framework. We integrated a large dataset on range area, longitudinal extent, wing morphology (a proxy for dispersal ability), migratory habit, and biogeographic realm across 126 vespertilionid bat species. We used phylogenetic regressions to disentangle the associations between these predictor factors and species range size while controlling for the effects of migration and biogeographic realm. Our analyses revealed that bat species with higher wing loading exhibit larger distribution ranges than those with lower wing loading, and that the size of geographic ranges was associated with wing aspect ratio in bats. These results highlight the relationship between wing morphology and range size in flying mammals, and suggest a role of dispersal capacity in shaping species’ geographic distributions.

Eye and wing structure closely reflects the visual ecology of dung beetles.

An important resource partitioning strategy allowing dung beetles to coexist in the same habitat, while utilising the same food, is species' separation of activity times. After establishing the diel activity period of three closely related, co-occurring dung beetles, we examined their eye and wing morphology. Absolute and relative eye size, and facet size were greater in the nocturnal Escarabaeus satyrus, followed by the crepuscular Scarabaeus zambesianus and then the diurnal Kheper lamarcki. The diurnal K. lamarcki had the highest wing aspect ratio (long, narrow wings), followed by the crepuscular S. zambesianus and the nocturnal E. satyrus (short, broad wings), suggesting that dim-light active species fly slower than diurnal species. In addition, the two species active in dim light had a lower wing loading than the diurnal species, indicating the need for greater manoeuvrability in the dark. Analyses of wing shape revealed that the diurnal K. lamarcki wing had a proportionally larger jugal and anal region than both dim light species. Our results show that different species of dung beetles have a combination of optical and morphological wing adaptations to support their foraging activities in diverse light conditions.

Approximate static aeroelastic analysis of composite wings

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider divergence of composite plate wings as well as slender wings with thin-walled cross-section of small-size airplanes. The main attention is paid to establishing of closed-form mathematical solutions for models of wings with coupling effects. Simplified solutions for calculating the divergence speed of wings with different geometry are established.Design/methodology/approachThe wings are modeled as anisotropic plate elements and thin-walled beams with closed cross-section. Two-dimensional plate-like models are applied to analysis and design problems for wings of large aspect ratio.FindingsAt first, the equations of elastic deformation for anisotropic slender, plate-like wing with the large aspect ratio are studied. The principal consideration is delivered to the coupled torsion-bending effects. The influence of anisotropic tailoring on the critical divergence speed of the wing is examined in closed form. At second, the method is extended to study the behavior of the large aspect ratio, anisotropic wing with box-like wings. The static equations of the wing with box-like profile are derived using the theory of anisotropic thin-walled beams with closed cross-section. The solutions for forward-swept wing with box-like profiles are given in analytical formulas. The formulas for critical divergence speed demonstrate the dependency upon cross-sectional shape characteristics and anisotropic properties of the wing.Research limitations/implicationsThe following simplifications are used: the simplified aerodynamic theory for the wings of large aspect ratio was applied; the static aeroelastic instability is considered (divergence); according to standard component methodology, only the component of wing was modeled, but not the whole aircraft; the simplified theories (plate-lime model for flat section or thin-walled beam of closed-section) were applied; and a single parameter that defines the rotation of a stack of single layers over the face of the wing.Practical implicationsThe simple, closed-form formulas for an estimation of critical static divergence are derived. The formulas are intended for use in designing of sport aircraft, gliders and small unmanned aircraft (drones). No complex analysis of airflow and advanced structural and aerodynamic models is necessary. The expression for chord length over the span of the wing allows for accounting a board class of wing shapes.Social implicationsThe derived theory facilitates the use of composite materials for popular small-size aircraft, and particularly, for drones and gliders.Originality/valueThe closed-form solutions for thin-walled beams in steady gas flow are delivered in closed form. The explicit formulas for slender wings with variable chord and stiffness along the wing span are derived.

Roll Control of Low-Aspect-Ratio Wings Using Articulated Winglet Control Surfaces

The use of tip mounted winglets with independently variable cant angles was investigated as a means of roll control on wings with an aspect ratio of one. Wind-tunnel testing was performed in which a six-axis force balance was used to measure the total aerodynamic load on wings with winglet control surfaces. Stereoscopic digital particle image velocimetry of the near-wake plane was used to show how the topology of the tip vortices changed with winglet deflection. Shifts in the location of the right tip vortex core are considered to be responsible for roll moment generation because they indicate changes in the symmetry of suction-side flow structures. All winglet deflections were observed to shift the right tip vortex core inboard, and thereby shorten the effective span of the wing. The effect of a winglet deflection may be approximated as a change in the wing aspect ratio and a lateral shift in the wing aerodynamic center. Prandtl’s lifting line theory provides a closed-form estimate for the reduction in lift caused by a winglet deflection. A geometrical argument was made to account for the induced roll moment. The right tip vortex core also shifts vertically, following the deflected wing tip. Vertical shifts in the right tip vortex result in an angle between the wing span line and a line connecting the two tip vortices. A positive angle is defined as the right tip vortex higher over the wing than the left, and it is accompanied by a positive roll moment. While in sideslip, the wing with no winglet deflection experiences a considerable roll moment as a result of a vertical and lateral shift in the two tip vortices. The articulated winglets are observed to partially mitigate these effects when the upstream winglet is actuated, and thus show promise as a direct means of disturbance rejection.

Hymenoptera flight muscle mitochondrial function: Increasing metabolic power increases oxidative stress

Insect flight is a high intensity activity, but biomechanical and metabolic requirements may vary depending on life style and feeding mode. For example, bees generally feed on pollen and nectar, whereas wasps also actively hunt and scavenge heavy prey. These variations in metabolic demands may result in different capacities of metabolic pathways in flight muscle, and utilisation some of these pathways may come at a cost of increased free radical production. To examine how metabolic requirements and oxidative stress vary between species, we explored the variation in flight mechanics and metabolism of the honeybee (Apis mellifera), bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), and German wasp (Vespula germanica). Wing structures and flight muscle properties were compared alongside measures of oxygen flux and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from permeabilised flight muscle. The wasp wing structure is best adapted for carrying heavy loads, with the highest wing aspect ratio, lowest wing loading, and highest flight muscle ratio. Bumblebees had the lowest wing aspect ratio and flight muscle ratio, and highest wing loading. Although wasps also had the highest rates of oxygen consumption during oxidative phosphorylation, oxygen consumption did not increase in the wasp muscle following chemical uncoupling, while it did for the two bee species. While mitochondrial glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH) mediated oxygen flux was greatest in wasps, muscle fibres released greater amounts of ROS through this pathway. Overall, the wasp has maximised lifting capacities through varying wing and flight muscle mass and by maximising OXPHOS capacities, and this accompanies elevated ROS production.

The Effects of Diets and Long-term Laboratory Rearing on Reproduction, Behavior, and Morphology of Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

The Australian sheep blow fly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann), is commonly reared in the laboratory for many sequential generations on simple, fixed diets, so it can be used in veterinary, medical, and forensic studies. To investigate the effect of diet and long-term laboratory rearing on L. cuprina, flies were fed with two different diets (sugar and milk-sugar) over a year and F1, F6, and F11 generations were used for comparisons based on the number of eggs, attraction to wool and liver, and wing size. The results showed that the number of eggs of gravid flies, and the attractiveness of wool and liver did not differ significantly between diets and generations, but gravid flies were more attracted to wool and liver than non-gravid flies (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the F1 generation, thorax length and wing aspect ratio were significantly longer than in the F6 and F11 generations (P < 0.05), and the wing length was significantly longer than in the F11 generation (P < 0.05). It was concluded that neither diet nor long-term laboratory rearing affect potential fecundity or the behavioral responses of L. cuprina, but the gravidity of flies affects their behavioral response, and long-term laboratory rearing significantly affects fly morphology, apparently explaining a loss in flight performance.

Influence of "AT winglets" wingtip type on the aerodynamic characteristics of wings

In this article by the method of equations of steady horizontal flight the impact «AT winglets» wingtips on the wing aerodynamic quality is explored. The total aerodynamic force, created by all four parts of the wingtips is determined. The vector of the total aerodynamic force of the wingtips is represented in the form of components of a linked coordinate system. Equilibrium equations for the steady motion of an aircraft with «AT winglets type wing tips in a horizontal flight are recorded. From these equations it is obtained that, in the direction of motion, the longitudinal component of the vector of the total aerodynamic force of the tips reduces the inductive drag of the wing (increases the thrust of the engines), the vertical component is added to the lifting force of the wing and increases it, and the lateral components, due to the symmetry of the wing, are in balancing state. It is shown that the lifting force created by the «AT winglets» type wingtips is larger compared to the same ones created by the upper wingtips. An important consequence is that the distribution of the lifting force over the wing span with double tips is more uniform in comparison with the wing without a wingtip or with a wing with the upper wingtip. The expression for the effective aspect ratio of the wing with the tips is defined, which is greater than the inductive drag of the wing without the tip. An important consequence is obtained: at the constant weight of the aircraft, the product of effective wing aspect ratio with the «AT winglets» wingtips and only the upper wingtips by their coefficients of inductive resistance is equal to the product of the wing aspect ratio without a tip by its coefficient of inductive drag.

Numerical investigation of the effects of different parameters on the thrust performance of three dimensional flapping wings

After billions of years of evolution, many creatures employing flapping wing in nature tend to have excellent flight capabilities. To understand the bionic wings flow mechanism will be helpful to design high performance underwater vehicles and new conception aircrafts. The geometric parameters, kinematic parameters and flow parameters have great effects on the bionic wings thrust performance. Facing the diverse parameters, it's very difficult to explore the three-dimensional (3D) bionic flapping wing flow mechanism with traditional numerical simulation method. In this paper, a general large-scale parallel solver using Immersed Boundary-Lattice Boltzmann Method (IB-LBM) was developed. The evolution procedures of the 3D flapping wing leading edge vortex and wake flow vortex structures were analyzed in detail. Our study explained the 3D flapping wing thrust performance variation with different wing shapes, aspect ratios and pitch-bias angles of attack. Using Chinese supercomputer TianHe-II presents a wide range of possibilities for the further development of parallel IB-LBM, employing tens of millions grids will help us to obtain more complete and accurate 3D flapping wing flow field information. It's indicated that the obtuse wing has the best thrust performance compared with other sharp wing shapes. With the increase of the aspect ratio, the thrust coefficient of flapping wing increases firstly and then decreases, and with pitch-bias angles of attack increases, the thrust coefficient decreases quickly or even shown resistance phenomenon at the large pitch-bias angel of attack. The discussion of these parameters will provide a theoretical basis for improving flapping-like vehicles propulsive performance.

Unmanned cruciform winged glider dynamics and control

Tha paper focuses on the problems of unmanned cruciform winged glider dynamics and control in autonomous flight conditions, and studies the wing aspect ratio effect on its flight performance. The winged glider control structure in the longitudinal and lateral axes is proposed. We carried out a comparative analysis of the ballistic flight ranges of models of different configurations, as well as the flight ranges of models of different configurations in the operating conditions of the control system of the proposed structure. As a result, the structure of the unmanned winged glider targeting system is proposed. The targeting system in the longitudinal axis, unlike the samples used in currently operating models, consists of two subsystems responsible for the unmanned winged glider best range gliding at the first flight phase and the direct aimpoint guidance at the second, i.e. final, flight stage

Tropical dung beetle morphological traits predict functional traits and show intraspecific differences across land uses.

Functional traits and functional diversity measures are increasingly being used to examine land use effects on biodiversity and community assembly rules. Morphological traits are often used directly as functional traits. However, behavioral characteristics are more difficult to measure. Establishing methods to derive behavioral traits from morphological measurements is necessary to facilitate their inclusion in functional diversity analyses. We collected morphometric data from over 1,700 individuals of 12 species of dung beetle to establish whether morphological measurements can be used as predictors of behavioral traits. We also compared morphology among individuals collected from different land uses (primary forest, logged forest, and oil palm plantation) to identify whether intraspecific differences in morphology vary among land use types. We show that leg and eye measurements can be used to predict dung beetle nesting behavior and period of activity and we used this information to confirm the previously unresolved nesting behavior for Synapsis ritsemae. We found intraspecific differences in morphological traits across different land use types. Phenotypic plasticity was found for traits associated with dispersal (wing aspect ratio and wing loading) and reproductive capacity (abdomen size). The ability to predict behavioral functional traits from morphology is useful where the behavior of individuals cannot be directly observed, especially in tropical environments where the ecology of many species is poorly understood. In addition, we provide evidence that land use change can cause phenotypic plasticity in tropical dung beetle species. Our results reinforce recent calls for intraspecific variation in traits to receive more attention within community ecology.