Abstract
A scanning electron microscope was used to observe the structures of the setae on the surface of a dung beetle Copris ochus, Motschulsky. There are lots of setae on the body surface, especially on the ventral part surface and lateral to the legs which are different in size, arrangement and shape. These setae have different lengths and many thorns on the whole seta. The top ends of these setae stand up without furcations which direct uprightly towards the surface of the touched soil. By the method of removing these setae, getting the insect weight before and after digging into the dung we affirm farther that the setae on the beetle body surface form the anti-stick and non-adherent gentle interface. The soil machines and components made by imitating the gentle body surface of beetles have favorable non-adherent results.
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Sun, J., Li, J., Cheng, H. et al. Restudies on Body Surface of Dung Beetle and Application of Its Bionics Flexible Technique. J Bionic Eng 1, 53–60 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399454
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399454