Effect of microtrichia on the interlocking mechanism in the Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

• Jiyu Sun,
• Chao Liu,
• Bharat Bhushan,
• Wei Wu and
• Jin Tong

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 812–823, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.75

• hindwings of the H. axyridis was established, and its underlying mechanism is discussed. Keywords: anti-wetting; folding process; interlocking mechanism; micro air vehicles; microtrichia; Introduction Insect wings have many properties, such as lightness, thinness, high flexibility and high load capacity

• elytra, hindwings and abdomen. For the function of microtrichia, these different forms all play an important role in the hindwing-interlocking mechanism. The hindwings of H. axyridis can freely fold into the elytra, and they will not slide out from the elytra while the animal is crawling. This phenomenon

• entire process of folding the hindwing, and less friction allows more movement of one layer against another layer. In summary, the interlocking mechanism of the hindwings of H. axyridis, which can keep their hindwings folded without slipping out of the elytra, includes self-locking of the elytra, high