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Smart joints: auto-cleaning mechanism in the legs of beetles

Biology

Smart joints: auto-cleaning mechanism in the legs of beetles

K. K. Nadein and S. Gorb

Discover the remarkable self-cleaning mechanism in the femoro-tibial joint of the Congo rose chafer *Pachnoda marginata*. This continuous and autonomous system, comprised of unique subsystems, effectively prevents contaminants while ensuring joint movement. This innovative research was conducted by K Konstantin Nadein and Stanislav Gorb.

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~3 min • Beginner • English
Abstract
The auto-cleaning system in digging forelegs of the Congo rose chafer Pachnoda marginata femoro-tibial joint is described. The cleaning system consists of four subsystems: three external ones represented by microsetal pad, hairy brush and scraper and one internal one. They work proactively not only removing contaminants, but also preventing them from entering the joint. The principle of functioning of the cleaning system is based on the sliding of the contacting surfaces of the joint, equipped with hairs, bristles and scrapers. The mutual movement of such surfaces leads to the shift of contaminating particles and, ultimately, to their removal from surfaces of the joint. The key feature of the joint cleaning system is its complete autonomy, in which cleaning is performed constantly with each movement of the femoro-tibial joint without action required from the insect. The difference between the auto-cleaning system and self-cleaning and active grooming is also discussed.
Publisher
Communications Biology
Published On
Oct 26, 2022
Authors
K Konstantin Nadein, Stanislav Gorb
Tags
self-cleaning mechanism
femoro-tibial joint
Congo rose chafer
auto-cleaning system
functional morphology
biomechanics
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