Attachment Devices of Insect CuticleIn 1974 when I published my book, Biological Mechanism of Attachment, not many pages were required to report on the attachment devices of insect cuticles. As in most fields of research, our knowledge on this specific subject has simply exploded. Dr. Stanislav N. Gorb now describes the present day level of our knowledge, to which he has personally contributed so much, and a research team working on biological microtribology has gradually developed, also. With modern methods of measurement it is possible to enter the structure – function relationship much more deeply, even down to a molecular level, which was not possible two and a half decades ago. It is a well known fact that, in biology, the more sophisticated the measuring method, the greater the achievement of biological fundamental research, and its resulting evidence. Our knowledge remains at a certain level until new methods once more permit a forward leap. Biological knowledge develops in the form of a stepped curve rather than linear, as reflected in the studies carried out on the attachment devices of insect cuticles. |
Contents
structure and properties of the material | 9 |
Cuticular protuberances of insects | 21 |
Principles of cuticular attachment in Arthropoda | 37 |
Frictional systems | 77 |
Dragonfly and damselfly headarresting system | 89 |
Intersegmental frictional devices | 101 |
Winglocking devices | 123 |
Attachment pads | 135 |
Secretions in frictional systems | 177 |
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Common terms and phrases
ability adapted additional adhesive Aeshnidae arolium arrester attachment devices bear beetle body called cells Chapter claws Coenagrionidae Coleoptera compared complex connected consists contact area contain corresponding covered cuticle cuticular density dependence developed direction distal effect elytra epidermal evolution example exist families female fields fixation flexible flight fold force friction friction force function Gorb groups hairs head hold hooks important increase insect interlock involved lateral layer located locking male material measured mechanism membrane microtrichia microtrichia fields mites mobile movements muscles occur organs orientation outgrowths pair pattern plant plate pore canals position present presumably previously principle processes properties protuberances pulvilli pupa region representatives responsible Richards sclerites secretion segments sensilla sensory setae shape side similar single smooth specialised species structures studies substrata substratum sucker suggested surface tarsomere tarsus unguitractor usually variety ventral walking wide wing