Insect
- Local deformation and stiffness distribution in fly wings
Summary: We determined mechanical properties of wings under load in three fly species. Fly wings broadly deform similar to homogenous beams. Veins and joints shape wing mechanics and govern wing deformation during flapping flight.
- Centrioles without microtubules: a new morphological type of centriole
Summary: Centrioles without microtubules in larvae cells of parasitoid wasps duplicate and form primary cilia without microtubules, in nymph and imago cells centrioles acquire a ‘normal’ structure with nine microtubules triplets.
- Forces to pierce cuticle of tarsi and material properties determined by nanoindentation: The Achilles’ heel of bed bugs
Summary: Mechanical properties were measured for bed bug cuticle of the tarsi to evaluate physical plant defenses and to inform the development of novel biomimetic physical insecticides.
- Adhesion and friction of the smooth attachment system of the cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa and the influence of the application of fluid adhesives
Summary: Friction and adhesion of a cockroach are analysed in an experimental approach that focuses on the function of the tarsal adhesion-mediating secretion.
- Metabolism and antioxidant defense in the larval chironomid Tanytarsus minutipalpus: adjustments to diel variations in the extreme conditions of Lake Magadi
Summary: Insect larvae display adjustments in metabolism and oxidative status to overcome the diel variations in the extreme and harsh physicochemical conditions of Lake Magadi, a saline and alkaline lake in Kenya.