Exoskeleton is dissolved: dragonfly

Following molting, a dragonfly breaks the ties holding its new legs to its old ones using chemical solvents.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Chemically break down >
	Other organic compounds

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Chemical applications for cleaning up industrial pollution; temporary scaffolding that uses limited materials; deployable structures.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"In addition, there are a series of special mechanisms that help the dragonfly to shed its skin. The body of the dragonfly shrinks and becomes wrinkled in the old body. In order to 'open' this body, a special pump system and a special body fluid are created to be used in this process. These wrinkled body parts of the insect are inflated by pumping body fluid after getting out through the slot. In the meantime, chemical solvents start to break the ties of the new legs with the old ones without damage…

The wings are fully developed already but are in a folded position. The body fluid is pumped by firm contractions of the body into the wing tissues." (Yahya 2002:25-26)

About the inspiring organism

Odonata
Odonata

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Chemical applications for cleaning up industrial pollution; temporary scaffolding that uses limited materials; deployable structures.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Pollution, construction

References

Harun Yahya. 2002. Design in Nature. London: Ta-Ha Publishers Ltd. 180 p.

Exoskeleton is dissolved: dragonfly

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