On The Wing

Bello, Elizabeth

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/114293 Copy

Description

Title

On The Wing

Author(s)

Bello, Elizabeth

Issue Date

2022

Keyword(s)

Entomology

Abstract

Brochosomes, shown here on the setae and forewing of a Curtara insularis leafhopper insect, have captured the interest of scientists since they were first discovered in the early 1930’s. While not much is known about them, we know that these intricately structured particles are composed mainly of lipids and proteins and exist on the nanoscale ranging from a couple hundred nanometers to a little over a thousand nanometers in diameter. They are exclusively produced by leafhoppers but have been found on predatory insects and bats indicating various trophic level interactions. Furthermore, brochosomes exhibit omnidirectional anti-reflectivity and superhydrophobicity, likely aiding the leafhoppers in predator defense and evasion, as well as providing them with a unique system for water management. Studying these properties will enable researchers like myself to draw inspiration from the biological world to create novel designs and materials with desirable characteristics such as self-cleaning and antimicrobial activity.

Type of Resource

• Text
• Image

Language

eng

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/114293

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Elizabeth Bello

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