What are wing pads?

Wing pads are specialized structures found in certain insect larvae, particularly in the order Hemiptera, such as mayflies and dragonflies. These pads serve as precursors to adult wings, developing during the larval stage before the insects undergo metamorphosis. They can vary in size and shape, depending on the species, and play a crucial role in the eventual formation of functional wings in the adult stage. Wing pads allow for the gradual development of wing structures, contributing to the insect's flight capabilities once it matures.