In:
ZooKeys, Pensoft Publishers, Vol. 915 ( 2020-02-24), p. 87-105
Abstract:
Flea beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini) are a hyperdiverse group of organisms with approximately 9900 species worldwide. In addition to walking as most insects do, nearly all the species of flea beetles have an ability to jump and this ability is commonly understood as one of the key adaptations responsible for its diversity. Our investigation of flea beetle jumping is based on high-speed filming, micro-CT scans and 3D reconstructions, and provides a mechanical description of the jump. We reveal that the flea beetle jumping mechanism is a catapult in nature and is enabled by a small structure in the hind femur called an ‘elastic plate’ which powers the explosive jump and protects other structures from potential injury. The explosive catapult jump of flea beetles involves a unique ‘high-efficiency mechanism’ and ‘positive feedback mechanism’. As this catapult mechanism could inspire the design of bionic jumping limbs, we provide a preliminary design for a robotic jumping leg, which could be a resource for the bionics industry.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1313-2970
,
1313-2989
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.figure1
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.figure2
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.figure3
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.figure4
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.figure5
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.figure6
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.suppl1
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.suppl2
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.suppl3
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.915.38348.suppl4
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Pensoft Publishers
Publication Date:
2020
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2445640-8
SSG:
12
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