Micro/nano-scale Characterization and Fatigue Fracture Resistance of Mechanoreceptor with Crack-shaped Slit Arrays in Scorpion

摘要: The nocturnal scorpion Heterometrus petersii uses Basitarsal Compound Slit Sensilla (BCSS) as mechanoreceptor to detect mechanical signal (e.g. substrate vibration, cyclic loads caused by walking) without fatigue failure such initiation of crack and further propagation crack-shaped slit. outstanding perceptive function has been discovered for over half a century. However, it is not yet clear about the microstructure, material composition micromechanical property which are all important factors that determine fracture resistance BCSS. Here, microscopic characteristics BCSS were thoroughly studied. results indicate anti-fatigue resilin stiff chitinous cuticle form multilayered composite main body Meanwhile, pre-existing slit mechanosensory structure covered cuticular membrane different with epicuticle. Theoretical analysis shows structure-composition-property synergistic relations composites confer on extreme tolerance.