Wettability and Contaminability of Insect Wings as a Function of Their Surface Sculptures

摘要: Abstract The wing surfaces of 97 insect species from virtually all relevant major groups were examined by high resolution scanning-electron-microscopy, in order to identify the relationships between microstructures, their wettability with water and behaviour under influence contamination. Isolated wings contact angles 31.6° 155.5° artificially contaminated silicate dusts subsequently fogged until drops (“dew”) formed rolled off. remaining particles counted via a digital image analysis system. Remaining particle values 0.41% 103% determined comparison unfogged controls. Some insects very unwettable show highly significant “self-cleaning” effect rain or dew. Detailed revealed that there is correlation “SM Index” (quotient surface/(body mass)0.67) ranging 2.42 57.0. Furthermore, SM Index, meaning taxa e.g. “large-winged” Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Planipennia, many Lepidoptera, have removal due dripping drops. “small-winged” insects, such as Diptera Hymenoptera, elytra, Blattariae, Saltatoria, Heteroptera Coleoptera, completely opposite effects. This clearly result fact Index are, principle, more restricted flight contamination than low which can also actively clean own wings. primarily serve protection function so effects are probably minor importance these insects. Copyright © 1996 Royal Swedish Academy Sciences. Published Elsevier Science Ltd.