Recently, researchers or scientists have discovered
the secret of the tough and “uncrushable” insect - diabolical
ironclad beetle or Phloeodes diabolicus. The
insect is really tough which can withstand 149 newton forces and even run over
by a vehicle.
The insect secret is its interlocking jigsaw shape
joints on its exoskeleton.
“Equipped
with super-tough body armour, the insect can survive being stamped on or even
run over by a car. Now scientists have investigated the secrets of how the
beetle can withstand forces up to 39,000 times its body weight.” (BBC)
“The researchers used microscopy, spectroscopy and
mechanical testing, to identify a series of interlocked jigsaw-shaped joints
within the exoskeleton, which allow the beetle to withstand forces of up to 149
Newtons (approximately 39,000 times the creature's body weight).”(BBC)
“Now scientists have found a jigsaw-like mechanism
in their exoskeletons that helps the little creature tolerate forces up to
39,000 times its own body weight….. The beetle, which no longer has its
ancestors' ability to fly away from predators, has developed crush-resistant
exoskeletal forewings -- called elytra -- as a form of protection, according to
the new study published in the journal Nature.”(Bangkok Post)
“Using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers
saw that the beetle has a series of interlocked jigsaw-shaped joints in its
elytra and found that the shape of these blades and their laminated
microstructure acted to toughen the exoskeleton.” (Bangkok Post)
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| image from Bangkok Post website |
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