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Journal of Bionic Engineering

, Volume 5, Supplement 1, pp 148–151 | Cite as

Subaquatic Fly Locomotion — Principles

  • Dan Zhu
  • Andrei P. SommerEmail author
  • Hans-Joerg Fecht
Article
First Online:

Abstract

The theoretical criteria essential for underwater superhydrophobicity follow from the analysis on the conditions of heterogeneous wetting. Such surfaces, when immersed in water are not wetted — a layer of air is trapped between them and the surrounding water. Here we provide an observational evidence that house flies can survive under water by exploiting underwater superhydrophobicity in association with underwater adhesion. The adhesion — resisting updraft — is probably mediated by a glue-like interfacial water layer formed on the top of the pathogens collected on the terminal setae.

Keywords

subaquatic fly locomotion superhydrophobicity biomimetic ultrastructures 
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Copyright information

© Jilin University 2008

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Institute of Micro and NanomaterialsUniversity of UlmUlmGermany
  2. 2.Institute for NanotechnologyResearch Center KarlsruheKarlsruheGermany

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