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Microstructure of pretarsal pulvilli in shield bug A canthosoma spinicolle ( H eteroptera: A canthosomatidae)
Author(s) -
Yang SungChan,
Moon MyungJin
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
entomological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 20
eISSN - 1748-5967
pISSN - 1738-2297
DOI - 10.1111/1748-5967.12066
Subject(s) - heteroptera , biology , adhesion , anatomy , seta , appendage , materials science , composite material , botany , genus
Shield bugs effectively attach themselves on both rough and smooth surfaces, but their advanced biological attachment devices have not been studied closely. Our fine structural examination of the attachment devices in the shield bug A . spinicolle reveals a unique system to achieve extraordinary adhesion that allows vertical climbing. Each appendage has a pair of tarsal claws that attach to rough substrates and a pair of pretarsal pulvilli that attach to smooth surfaces. Similar to other heteropteran insects, the pulvilli of this bug are categorized as a wet adhesion system, which makes use of an adhesive fluid from the pad secretion. However, this deformable pad creates a regular pattern of contact with the mating surface with a compact array of microfolds and setae with filamentous distal protrusions. To date, this distinctive microstructure in pulvilli pads has never been reported. These microstructural characteristics should be further studied to understand biological adhesion as well as create biomimetic applications.