The functional significance of some aspects of the wing design of Hemiptera is discussed. High-speed photography of selected species in flight shows that the wings undergo camber change, torsion, and transverse bending, all of which are aerodynamically and mechanically interpretable. The corium and clavus of Heteroptera, and the corresponding areas in Homoptera fore wings, are adapted to support the wings and, by hingewise bending along the median and claval flexion lines, to control the angle of attack, camber, and flexural rigidity of the distal, relatively deformable area. The hind wing is deformable but supported by the veins and anteriorly by the fore wing. Nodal lines, cross-vein alignments, and the heteropteran corium margin and cuneal fracture are adapted to localize and orient transverse flexion, which is widespread and serves several functions. Anteroposterior asymmetry in fore wing shape and venation, clavus and hind wing reduction, and obliquely transverse flexion lines all favor flight versatility, including slow flight capability. The design of fore wings is often a compromise between the conflicting needs of flight and protection, the former favoring relatively large deformable areas, the latter large, thickened supporting areas. The design of hind wings is less well understood. Some variations in venation and proportion may reflect differences in flexibility associated with specific aerodynamic mechanisms. Adaptive convergence is widespread, and wing characters are reliable only if studied in detail, with full attention to functional significance.