How Insects FlyStark contrasts between the wings distinguish the four largest orders of insects (and, in fact, the wings are the principal distinguishing factor in the hierarchy of insects and are the reason for the 'ptera' ending of order names).
Coleoptera
In addition to a pair of membranous wings, the Coleoptera have
converted the front pair of wings into thick, hard shields which protect both
the hind (flying) wings and the beetle's body as demonstrated by the Tortoise
beetle (photo).
Hymenoptera
Wasps and bees, in the order Hymenoptera, keep their two pairs of wings
together with a zipper-like structure to allow the wings to act as a single
pair, as a single flight surface provides greater stability and
manoeuverability during flapping flight.
How Insects Fly...1, March 1996