Microstructure and Hydrophobicity of the External Surface of a Sonoran Desert Beetle.

ABSTRACT: We have studied the external surface (elytra) of the Sonoran Desert beetle (Eleodes eschscholtzii). Our aim was to assess whether this species has similar traits to some beetles from the Namibian Desert that are known to have hierarchical micropatterns that allow for water harvesting. We have conducted scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and apparent contact angle experiments on specimens collected at two sampling sites with different ambient humidity. The results show that the beetle's external surface microstructure is composed of a compact array of polygons with randomly scattered protuberances. The density of the polygons in the microstructure is different for individuals collected in different sites: the polygon array is denser in the more humid site and less dense in the drier

SUBMITTER: Tellechea-Robles LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9036228 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature