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

This paper describes the self-cleaning mechanism in the femoro-tibial joint of the Congo rose chafer *Pachnoda marginata*. The system comprises four subsystems: a microsetal pad, a hairy brush, a scraper, and an internal cleaning system. These work proactively to remove and prevent contaminants from entering the joint through the sliding of contacting surfaces equipped with hairs, bristles, and scrapers. The system's autonomy is highlighted, as cleaning occurs continuously with each joint movement, requiring no insect action. The study differentiates this auto-cleaning system from self-cleaning and active grooming.

K Konstantin Nadein, Stanislav Gorb