Which order is characterized by forewings larger than hindwings and may have the hindwings absent?

Which order is characterized by forewings larger than hindwings and may have the hindwings absent?

• A. Ephemeroptera
• B. Thysanura
• C. Collembola
• D. Diplura

Answer: (A)

Wing size patterns in insects help distinguish groups. In mayflies, the adults have two pairs of wings with the forewings much larger than the hindwings; the hindwings are often very small and can even be absent in some species. This makes forewings noticeably larger than hindwings and matches the description. The other groups listed are wingless in their adults or lack paired wings, so they don’t show this forewing–hindwing size relationship. Therefore, this wing arrangement is characteristic of mayflies.

Wing size patterns in insects help distinguish groups. In mayflies, the adults have two pairs of wings with the forewings much larger than the hindwings; the hindwings are often very small and can even be absent in some species. This makes forewings noticeably larger than hindwings and matches the description. The other groups listed are wingless in their adults or lack paired wings, so they don’t show this forewing–hindwing size relationship. Therefore, this wing arrangement is characteristic of mayflies.