Structures, properties, and energy-storage mechanisms of the semi-lunar process cuticles in locusts.

ABSTRACT: Locusts have excellent jumping and kicking abilities to survive in nature, which are achieved through the energy storage and release processes occurring in cuticles, especially in the semi-lunar processes (SLP) at the femorotibial joints. As yet, however, the strain energy-storage mechanisms of the SLP cuticles remain unclear. To decode this mystery, we investigated the microstructure, material composition, and mechanical properties of the SLP cuticle and its remarkable strain energy-storage mechanisms for jumping and kicking. It is found that the SLP cuticle of adult Locusta migratoria manilensis consists of five main parts that exhibit different microstructural features, material compositions, mechanical properties, and biological functions in storing strain energy. The mechanical proper

SUBMITTER: Wan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5066225 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature