Mouth cuts through chitin: velvet mite

1 of 1 Velvet mite / Johnida Dock.. / License

The mouthparts of a velvet mite can cut through a grasshopper's cuticle due to its knife-like design.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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	Biotic materials

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Self-sharpening cutting tools and machinery, a manual version of a Sawzall.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The red lumps on the feet and legs of this southern lubber grasshopper are not part of its colouring, but are the nymphal stages of the velvet mite. The nymphs hatch from eggs buried in the ground, then attach themselves to a grasshopper, driving their knife-like mouthparts through its cuticle to suck blood." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:49)

About the inspiring organism

Trombidiformes
Trombidiformes

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

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Self-sharpening cutting tools and machinery, a manual version of a Sawzall.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing, tools

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

Mouth cuts through chitin: velvet mite

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