Prey Capturing Dynamics and Nanomechanically Graded Cutting Apparatus of Dragonfly Nymph.

ABSTRACT: Aquatic predatory insects, like the nymphs of a dragonfly, use rapid movements to catch their prey and it presents challenges in terms of movements due to drag forces. Dragonfly nymphs are known to be voracious predators with structures and movements that are yet to be fully understood. Thus, we examine two main mouthparts of the dragonfly nymph (Libellulidae: Insecta: Odonata) that are used in prey capturing and cutting the prey. To observe and analyze the preying mechanism under water, we used high-speed photography and, electron microscopy. The morphological details suggest that the prey-capturing labium is a complex grasping mechanism with additional sensory organs that serve some functionality. The time taken for the protraction and retraction of labium during prey capture was estimat

SUBMITTER: Kundanati L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7865395 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature