Functional morphology of cleaning devices in the damselfly <i>Ischnura elegans</i> (Odonata, Coenagrionidae).

ABSTRACT: Among the different micro- and nanostructures located on cuticular surfaces, grooming devices represent fundamental tools for insect survival. The present study describes the grooming microstructures of the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Odonata, Coenagrionidae) at the adult stage. These structures, situated on the foreleg tibiae, were observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the presence and distribution of resilin, an elastomeric protein that enhances cuticle flexibility, were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Eye and antennal grooming behavior were analyzed to evaluate the particle removal efficiency in intact insects and in insects with ablated grooming devices. The grooming devices are constituted of long setae from which a concave cuticular lamina develop

SUBMITTER: Piersanti S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11496705 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature