Adaptations of dragonfly larvae and their exuviae (Insecta: Odonata), attachment devices and their crucial role during emergence. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Büsse, Sebastian; Büscher, Thies H.; Heepe, Lars; Gorb, Stanislav N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of insect physiology. Volume 117(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Anisoptera -- Biomechanics -- Force measurements -- Ecdysis -- Cuticle -- Material composition; Insects -- Physiology -- Periodicals; Insectes -- Physiologie -- Périodiques; Insects -- Physiology; Periodicals; 571.157
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.103914
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1910

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Morphological and behavioral adaptations provide reliable anchorage of exuviae. An interlocking system with a safety factor of 14, demonstrating a staggered safety system. Due to un-locking and re-locking events the system withstands multiple disturbances. This furthers our understanding of interlocking and anchorage of insects in general. Highlighting the completely understudied attachment of exuvia within Insecta. Abstract: Moulting, especially in 'hemimetabolous' insects that emerge upside down, is a crucial moment in their live. Losing their attachment during this situation can be fatal for survival. We here studied the emergence of dragonfly adults, describe structures involved in larval attachment to the substrate, and biomechanically test the pull-off forces of exuviae to natural substrates. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to describe both morphology and material composition of the leg cuticle of Anax imperator larvae. The results show that the combination of morphological and behavioral adaptations provides reliable anchorage of exuviae to the substrates. We determined a safety factor of 14, and demonstrated that this staggered safety system experiencing several unlocking and relocking events withstand multiple disturbances before the entire exuvia is completely detaches. This furthers our understanding of interlocking and anchorage of insects in general and may allow for future applications.