Amar Posted May 4, 2010 Report Share Posted May 4, 2010 (edited) interesting article! http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/reprint/211/16/2647.pdf Conclusion: The mutualistic mirid bug P. roridulae bears a thick, anti-adhesive greasy layer, which is a ‘smart’ surface adaptation for living on the strongly adhesive surfaces of the plant. The anti-adhesion mechanism of the mirid bug is based on the cohesion failure caused by grease. The non-continuous, patch-like pattern of grease found in potential dipteran prey does not provide sufficient protection against the plant adhesive. Additionally, the presence of specific substances in the bug grease targeted to prevent adhesion of Roridula secretion cannot be entirely excluded. In future studies, this mechanism should be compared with that of the cuticle structures of various Heteroptera. Possibly, similar adaptations might be found in other insect–plant associations. Finally, the cohesion failure anti-adhesive mechanism might be potentially interesting for technical developments of novel biologically inspired surfaces. So, they don't stick because they're greasy little fellows. Edited May 4, 2010 by Amar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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