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Klunk CL, Heethoff M, Hammel JU, Gorb SN, Krings W. Mechanical and elemental characterization of ant mandibles: consequences for bite mechanics. Interface Focus 2024; 14:20230056. [PMID: 38618235 PMCID: PMC11008963 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2023.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mandible morphology has an essential role in biting performance, but the mandible cuticle can have regional differences in its mechanical properties. The effects of such a heterogeneous distribution of cuticle material properties in the mandible responses to biting loading are still poorly explored in chewing insects. Here, we tested the mechanical properties of mandibles of the ant species Formica cunicularia by nanoindentation and investigated the effects of the cuticular variation in Young's modulus (E) under bite loading with finite-element analysis (FEA). The masticatory margin of the mandible, which interacts with the food, was the hardest and stiffest region. To unravel the origins of the mechanical property gradients, we characterized the elemental composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The masticatory margin possessed high proportions of Cu and Zn. When incorporated into the FEA, variation in E effectively changed mandible stress patterns, leading to a relatively higher concentration of stresses in the stiffer mandibular regions and leaving the softer mandible blade with relatively lower stress. Our results demonstrated the relevance of cuticle E heterogeneity in mandibles under bite loading, suggesting that the accumulation of transition metals such as Cu and Zn has a relevant correlation with the mechanical characteristics in F. cunicularia mandibles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian L. Klunk
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Michael Heethoff
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Stanislav N. Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Wencke Krings
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel 24118, Germany
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, Universität Leipzig, Liebigstraße 12, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, Hamburg 20146, Germany
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Wipfler B, Hoepfner O, Viebahn F, Weihmann T, Rieg F, Engelmann C. Understanding the ant's unique biting system can improve surgical needle holders. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2201598121. [PMID: 38346209 PMCID: PMC10907285 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2201598121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical grasping and holding devices depend upon a firm and controlled grip. The possibility to improve this gripping performance is severely limited by the need for miniaturization in many applications, such as robotics, microassembly, or surgery. In this paper, we show how this gripping can be improved in one application (the endoscopic needle holder) by understanding and imitating the design principles that evolution has selected to make the mandibles of an ant a powerful natural gripping device. State-of-the-art kinematic, morphological, and engineering approaches show that the ant, in contrast to other insects, has considerable movement within the articulation and the jaw´s rotational axis. We derived three major evolutionary design principles from the ant's biting apparatus: 1) a mobile joint axis, 2) a tilted orientation of the mandibular axis, and 3) force transmission of the adductor muscle to the tip of the mandible. Application of these three principles to a commercially available endoscopic needle holder resulted in calculated force amplification up to 296% and an experimentally measured one up to 433%. This reduced the amount of translations and rotations of the needle, compared to the needle's original design, while retaining its size or outer shape. This study serves as just one example showing how bioengineers might find elegant solutions to their design problems by closely observing the natural world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wipfler
- Morphology Laboratory, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of the Biodiversity Change, 53113Bonn, Germany
| | - Ole Hoepfner
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Theodor Fontane Medical School, University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel, 14770Brandenburg, Germany
| | - Felix Viebahn
- Lehrstuhl für Konstruktionslehre und CAD, University of Bayreuth, 95440Bayreuth, Germany
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, ZF Group, 97424Schweinfurt, Germany
| | - Tom Weihmann
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Rostock, 18059Rostock, Germany
| | - Frank Rieg
- Lehrstuhl für Konstruktionslehre und CAD, University of Bayreuth, 95440Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Carsten Engelmann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Theodor Fontane Medical School, University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel, 14770Brandenburg, Germany
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3
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Rodriguez G, Fikáček M, Minoshima YN, Archangelsky M, Torres PLM. Going underwater: multiple origins and functional morphology of piercing-sucking feeding and tracheal system adaptations in water scavenger beetle larvae (Coleoptera: Hydrophiloidea). Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Larvae of water scavenger beetles (Coleoptera: Hydrophiloidea) are adapted to a wide variety of aquatic habitats, but little is known about functional and evolutionary aspects of these adaptations. We review the functional morphology and evolution of feeding strategies of larvae of the families Hydrophilidae and Epimetopidae based on a detailed scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, analysis of video records of feeding behaviour and observations of living larvae. There are two main types of feeding mechanisms: chewing and piercing-sucking. The character mapping using the latest phylogenetic hypothesis for Hydrophiloidea infers the chewing system as the ancestral condition. The piercing-sucking mechanism evolved at least four times independently: once in Epimetopidae (Epimetopus) and three times in Hydrophilidae (Berosini: Berosus + Hemiosus; Laccobiini: Laccobius group; Hydrobiusini: Hybogralius). The piercing-sucking apparatus allows underwater extra-oral digestion and decreases the dependence of larvae on an aerial environment. A detailed study of the tracheal morphology of the piercing-sucking lineages reveals four independent origins of the apneustic respiratory system, all of them nested within lineages with piercing-sucking mouthparts. We conclude that piercing-sucking mouthparts represent a key innovation, which allows for the subsequent adaptation of the tracheal system, influences the diversification dynamics of the lineages and allows the shift to new adaptive zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Rodriguez
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Entomología, CONICET, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martin Fikáček
- Department of Zoology, National Museum, Praha 9, Czech Republic and Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Yȗsuke N Minoshima
- Natural History Division, Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History, 2-4-1 Higashida, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka, 805-0071 Japan
| | - Miguel Archangelsky
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Ecología y Sistemática Animal (LIESA), Centro de Investigaciones Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP) (CONICET e UNPSJB), Roca 780, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Patricia L M Torres
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Entomología, CONICET, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Weihmann T. Survey of biomechanical aspects of arthropod terrestrialisation - Substrate bound legged locomotion. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2020; 59:100983. [PMID: 33160205 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods are the most diverse clade on earth with regard to both species number and variability of body plans. Their general body plan is characterised by variable numbers of legs, and many-legged locomotion is an essential aspect of many aquatic and terrestrial arthropod species. Moreover, arthropods belong to the first groups of animals to colonise subaerial habitats, and they did so repeatedly and independently in a couple of clades. Those arthropod clades that colonised land habitats were equipped with highly variable body plans and locomotor apparatuses. Proceeding from their respective specific anatomies, they were challenged with strongly changing environmental conditions as well as altered physical and physiological constraints. This review explores the transitions from aquatic to terrestrial habitats across the different arthropod body plans and explains the major mechanisms and principles that constrain design and function of a range of locomotor apparatuses. Important aspects of movement physiology addressed here include the effects of different numbers of legs, different body sizes, miniaturisation and simplification of body plans and different ratios of inertial and damping forces. The article's focus is on continuous legged locomotion, but related ecological and behavioural aspects are also taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Weihmann
- Dept. of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Strasse 47b, 50674, Cologne, Germany.
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Sato S, Inoda T, Niitsu S, Kubota S, Goto Y, Kobayashi Y. Asymmetric larval head and mandibles of Hydrophilus acuminatus (Insecta: Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae): Fine structure and embryonic development. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2017; 46:824-842. [PMID: 28830832 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The larvae of a water scavenger beetle, Hydrophilus acuminatus, have strongly asymmetric mandibles; the right one is long and slender, whereas the left one is short and stout. The fine structure and embryonic development of the head capsule and mandibles of this species were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy, and asymmetries in shape were detected in these structures applying an elliptic Fourier analysis. The larval mandibles are asymmetric in the following aspects: whole length, the number, structure and arrangement of retinacula (inner teeth), and size and shape of both the molar and incisor regions. The larval head is also asymmetric; the left half of the head capsule is larger than the right, and the left adductor muscle of the mandible is much thicker than the right. The origin and developmental process of asymmetric mandibles were traced in developing embryos whose developmental period is about 270 h and divided into 10 stages. Mandibular asymmetries are produced by the cumulative effects of six stepwise modifications that occur from about 36% of the total developmental time onward. The significance of these modifications was discussed with respect to the functional advantages of asymmetries and the phylogeny of members of the Hydrophilidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun'ichi Sato
- Laboratory of Systematic Zoology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; Ozakudai 3-7-15, Hamura-shi, Tokyo 205-0001, Japan
| | - Toshio Inoda
- Shibamata 5-17-10, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-0052, Japan; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Miyama 2-2-1, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Shuhei Niitsu
- Laboratory of Systematic Zoology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Souichirou Kubota
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Miyama 2-2-1, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Yuji Goto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Miyama 2-2-1, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Yukimasa Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Systematic Zoology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; Sayamadai 2-21-18, Sayama-shi, Saitama 350-1304, Japan.
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6
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Büsse S, Hörnschemeyer T, Gorb SN. The head morphology of Pyrrhosoma nymphula larvae (Odonata: Zygoptera) focusing on functional aspects of the mouthparts. Front Zool 2017; 14:25. [PMID: 28491118 PMCID: PMC5423004 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-017-0209-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The understanding of concerted movements and its underlying biomechanics is often complex and elusive. Functional principles and hypothetical functions of these complex movements can provide a solid basis for biomechanical experiments and modelling. Here a description of the cephalic anatomy of Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae) focusing on functional aspects of the mouthparts using micro computed tomography (μCT) is presented. RESULTS We compared six different instars of the damselfly P. nymphula as well as one instar of the dragonfly Aeshna cyanea and Epiophlebia superstes each. In total 42 head muscles were described with only minor differences of the attachment points between the examined species and the absence of antennal muscle M. scapopedicellaris medialis (0an7) in Epiophlebia as a probable apomorphy of this group. Furthermore, the ontogenetic differences between the six larval instars are minor; the only considerable finding is the change of M. submentopraementalis (0la8), which is dichotomous in the early instars (I1,I2 and I3) with a second point of origin at the postero-lateral base of the submentum. This dichotomy is not present in any of the older instars studied (I6, middle-late and pen-ultimate). CONCLUSION However, the main focus of the study herein, is to use these detailed morphological descriptions as basis for hypothetic functional models of the odonatan mouthparts. We present blueprint like description of the mouthparts and their musculature, highlighting the caused direction of motion for every single muscle. This data will help to elucidate the complex concerted movements of the mouthparts and will contribute to the understanding of its biomechanics not in Odonata only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Büsse
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Hörnschemeyer
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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7
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Blanke A, Schmitz H, Patera A, Dutel H, Fagan MJ. Form-function relationships in dragonfly mandibles under an evolutionary perspective. J R Soc Interface 2017; 14:20161038. [PMID: 28330989 PMCID: PMC5378138 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional requirements may constrain phenotypic diversification or foster it. For insect mouthparts, the quantification of the relationship between shape and function in an evolutionary framework remained largely unexplored. Here, the question of a functional influence on phenotypic diversification for dragonfly mandibles is assessed with a large-scale biomechanical analysis covering nearly all anisopteran families, using finite element analysis in combination with geometric morphometrics. A constraining effect of phylogeny could be found for shape, the mandibular mechanical advantage (MA), and certain mechanical joint parameters, while stresses and strains, the majority of joint parameters and size are influenced by shared ancestry. Furthermore, joint mechanics are correlated with neither strain nor mandibular MA and size effects have virtually play no role for shape or mechanical variation. The presence of mandibular strengthening ridges shows no phylogenetic signal except for one ridge peculiar to Libelluloidea, and ridge presence is also not correlated with each other. The results suggest that functional traits are more variable at this taxonomic level and that they are not influenced by shared ancestry. At the same time, the results contradict the widespread idea that mandibular morphology mainly reflects functional demands at least at this taxonomic level. The varying functional factors rather lead to the same mandibular performance as expressed by the MA, which suggests a many-to-one mapping of the investigated parameters onto the same narrow mandibular performance space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Blanke
- Medical and Biological Engineering Research Group, School of Engineering, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Helmut Schmitz
- Institute for Zoology, University of Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alessandra Patera
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
- Centre d'Imagerie BioMedicale, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hugo Dutel
- Medical and Biological Engineering Research Group, School of Engineering, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Michael J Fagan
- Medical and Biological Engineering Research Group, School of Engineering, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
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8
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Goyens J, Dirckx J, Piessen M, Aerts P. Role of stag beetle jaw bending and torsion in grip on rivals. J R Soc Interface 2016; 13:20150768. [PMID: 26763329 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In aggressive battles, the extremely large male stag beetle jaws have to withstand strongly elevated bite forces. We found several adaptations of the male Cyclommatus metallifer jaw morphology for enhanced robustness that conspecific females lack. As a result, males improve their grip on opponents and they maintain their safety factor (5.2-7.2) at the same level as that of females (6.8), despite their strongly elevated bite muscle force (3.9 times stronger). Males have a higher second moment of area and torsion constant than females, owing to an enhanced cross-sectional area and shape. These parameters also increase faster with increasing bending moment towards the jaw base in males than in females. Male jaws are more bending resistant against the bite reaction force than against perpendicular forces (which remain lower in battles). Because of the triangular cross section of the male jaw base, it twists more easily than it bends. This torsional flexibility creates a safety system against overload that, at the same time, secures a firm grip on rivals. We found no structural mechanical function of the large teeth halfway along the male jaws. Therefore, it appears that the main purpose of these teeth is a further improvement of grip on rivals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Goyens
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp 2610, Belgium Laboratory of Biophysics and Biomedical Physics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp 2020, Belgium
| | - Joris Dirckx
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Biomedical Physics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp 2020, Belgium
| | - Maxim Piessen
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Biomedical Physics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp 2020, Belgium
| | - Peter Aerts
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp 2610, Belgium Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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Weihmann T, Reinhardt L, Weißing K, Siebert T, Wipfler B. Fast and Powerful: Biomechanics and Bite Forces of the Mandibles in the American Cockroach Periplaneta americana. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141226. [PMID: 26559671 PMCID: PMC4641686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowing the functionality and capabilities of masticatory apparatuses is essential for the ecological classification of jawed organisms. Nevertheless insects, especially with their outstanding high species number providing an overwhelming morphological diversity, are notoriously underexplored with respect to maximum bite forces and their dependency on the mandible opening angles. Aiming for a general understanding of insect biting, we examined the generalist feeding cockroach Periplaneta americana, characterized by its primitive chewing mouth parts. We measured active isometric bite forces and passive forces caused by joint resistance over the entire mandibular range with a custom-built 2D force transducer. The opening angle of the mandibles was quantified by using a video system. With respect to the effective mechanical advantage of the mandibles and the cross-section areas, we calculated the forces exerted by the mandible closer muscles and the corresponding muscle stress values. Comparisons with the scarce data available revealed close similarities of the cockroaches' mandible closer stress values (58 N/cm2) to that of smaller specialist carnivorous ground beetles, but strikingly higher values than in larger stag beetles. In contrast to available datasets our results imply the activity of faster and slower muscle fibres, with the latter becoming active only when the animals chew on tough material which requires repetitive, hard biting. Under such circumstances the coactivity of fast and slow fibres provides a force boost which is not available during short-term activities, since long latencies prevent a specific effective employment of the slow fibres in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Weihmann
- Dept. of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Reinhardt
- Science of Motion, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Kevin Weißing
- Entomology Group, Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias Siebert
- Institute of Sport and Motion Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wipfler
- Entomology Group, Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
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Goyens J, Dirckx J, Dierick M, Van Hoorebeke L, Aerts P. Biomechanical determinants of bite force dimorphism in Cyclommatus metallifer stag beetles. J Exp Biol 2014; 217:1065-71. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.091744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In the stag beetle family (Lucanidae), males have diverged from females by sexual selection. The males fight each other for mating opportunities with their enlarged mandibles. It is known that owners of larger fighting apparatuses are favoured to win the male–male fights, but it was unclear whether male stag beetles also need to produce high bite forces while grabbing and lifting opponents in fights. We show that male Cyclommatus metallifer stag beetles bite three times as forcefully as females. This is not entirely unexpected given the spectacular nature of the fights, but all the more impressive given the difficulty of achieving this with their long mandibles (long levers). Our results suggest no increase in male intrinsic muscle strength to accomplish this. However, morphological analyses show that the long mandibular output levers in males are compensated by elongated input levers (and thus a wider anterior side of the head). The surplus of male bite force capability is realized by enlargement of the closer muscles of the mandibles, while overall muscle force direction remained optimal. To enable the forceful bites required to ensure male reproductive success, male head size and shape are adapted for long input levers and large muscles. Therefore, the entire head should be regarded as an integral part of male armature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Goyens
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of BioMedical Physics, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joris Dirckx
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of BioMedical Physics, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Manuel Dierick
- Ghent University, UGCT-Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Van Hoorebeke
- Ghent University, UGCT-Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Aerts
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Ghent University, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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11
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Yavorskaya MI, Leschen RAB, Polilov AA, Beutel RG. Unique rostrate larvae and basidiomycophagy in the beetle family Corylophidae. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2014; 43:153-162. [PMID: 24291673 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Revised: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The head morphology of larvae of two undescribed species of the corylophid genus Holopsis were examined. Both are associated with the same basidiomycete host Ganoderma cf applanatum. Whereas the round and convex adults are very similar, one of the disc-shaped larvae is characterized by an elongate weevil-like snout, which is a unique feature in larval beetles. The posterior head region, the mouthparts and the general configuration of the musculature are similar in the larvae of both species. However, in the rostrate Holopsis sp. 1 most muscles are either widened along the longitudinal axis or elongated. Moreover, an additional bundle of M. frontobuccalis posterior is present, which strengthens the pharyngeal pumping apparatus. Both species share an unusual connection between the prepharynx and pharynx. This is a potential autapomorphy of the genus. The larval cephalic morphology of Holopsis sp. 2 and the corylophine genus Sericoderus is quite similar. However, they differ in some muscular features and in the configuration of the foregut. Holopsis species are associated with Basidiomycetes. Whether this is an ancestral condition in Corylophidae remains ambiguous due to conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses and the largely unknown biology of the Australian subfamily Periptyctinae. Several features of Holopsis are likely plesiomorphic and possibly related with the association with basidiomycetes. However, the larval rostrum of sp. 1 is doubtlessly derived, and could have a performance advantage over other species feeding on the spores of Ganoderma cf applanatum including Holopsis sp. 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita I Yavorskaya
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, FSU Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; Department of Entomology, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1-12, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alexey A Polilov
- Department of Entomology, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1-12, Moscow, Russia
| | - Rolf G Beutel
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, FSU Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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12
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López-Cubillos S, Sarmiento CE. A mandible arresting system in neotropical social wasps (Vespidae; Polistinae): structural diversity within homogeneous functionality. Naturwissenschaften 2013; 100:429-35. [PMID: 23568094 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-013-1041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Microtrichia are epidermal protuberances that may serve as temporary adhesive devices. Several insects possess these structures; however, they have not previously been reported in social wasps. With scanning electron microscopy, we characterize the shape and abundance of microtrichia in ten species of social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) and three species of related taxa (Vespidae: Eumeninae, Pompilidae, and Scoliidae). Semi-thin sections of the head of Leipomeles spilogastra and Apoica albimacula were also studied. We found microtrichia on a thin, flexible membrane connected to the mandible in all the Vespidae specimens. The flexible membrane can be divided into three regions: the basal region that covers the mandibular mesial emargination, the medial region located around the height of the mandibular condyles, and the distal region that appears anterior to the apodeme folding. Basal and distal regions of the membrane are extensively covered by microtrichia while the medial region has either less microtrichia or is entirely devoid of them. The shape and density of the microtrichia differed between species, and these traits are unrelated with nest material construction or phylogenetic closeness. We propose that the microtrichial membrane described is a passive mechanism to keep the wasps' mandibles retracted through a mechanical interlocking system. It is possible that this energy-saving mechanism is present in other mandibulate insects.
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Li D, Zhang K, Zhu P, Wu Z, Zhou H. 3D configuration of mandibles and controlling muscles in rove beetles based on micro-CT technique. Anal Bioanal Chem 2011; 401:817-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-5088-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Zhang K, Li DE, Zhu P, Yuan Q, Huang W, Liu X, Hong Y, Gao G, Ge X, Zhou H, Wu Z. 3D visualization of the microstructure of Quedius beesoni Cameron using micro-CT. Anal Bioanal Chem 2010; 397:2143-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-010-3696-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2010] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Solodovnikov AY. Larval chaetotaxy of Coleoptera (Insecta) as a tool for evolutionary research and systematics: less confusion, more clarity. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0469.2006.00387.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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