Hymenoptera and biomimetic surfaces: insights and innovations

Abstract

The extraordinary adaptations that Hymenoptera (sawflies, wasps, ants, and bees) exhibit on their body surfaces has long intrigued biologists. These adaptations, which enabled the immense success of these insects in a wide range of environments and habitats, include an amazing array of specialized structures facilitating attachment, penetration of substrates, production of sound, perception of volatiles, and delivery of venoms, among others. These morphological features offer valuable insights for biomimetic and bioinspired technological advancements. Here, we explore the biomimetic potential of hymenopteran body surfaces. We highlight recent advancements and outline potential strategic pathways, evaluating their current functions and applications while suggesting promising avenues for further investigations. By studying these fascinating and biologically diverse insects, researchers could develop innovative materials and devices that replicate the efficiency and functionality of insect body structures, driving progress in medical technology, robotics, environmental monitoring, and beyond.

Keywords: arthropods; bio-inspired surfaces; bioengineering; cuticle; nanoscale structures.

Figure 1

Diversity of hymenopteran species showcasing a range of shapes and life strategies. (A) Saharan silver ant (Cataglyphis bombycine) (© 2017 Manuel García-Viñó Sánchez). (B) Tap-jaw ants (Odontomachus troglodytes) (© 2024 Jonghyun Park). (C) Long-horned bees (Eucera nigrescens) (© 2020 Corinna Herr). (D) Beewolves (Philanthus triangulum) (© 2020 Johan Pretorius). (E) Sand wasps (Bembix rostrata) (© 2022 Piotr Lukasik). (F) Norton's giant ichneumonid wasp (Megarhyssa nortoni) (© 2015 Ed Oswalt). Figure A was taken by Manuel García-Viñó Sánchez and is used with permission. This content is not subject to CC BY 4.0. Figures B–F were reproduced from https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/204425768, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41894658, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/45592397, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/123874897 and https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/1778516 respectively (published by iNaturalist, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). This content is not subject to CC BY 4.0.

Figure 2

The body parts of Hymenoptera that can serve as sources for bioinspired and biomimetic materials and technologies. The image was adapted and reproduced from [11] (© 2015 J. Paukkunen et al., published by ZooKeys, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0).

Figure 3

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of ant mandibles. (A) Zinc-enriched mandibles of Aganaspis daci. (B) Jaw of Thaumatomyrmex fraxini. Zn: Zinc. Scale bars: 200 µm. Figure B was adapted from https://www.antweb.org/bigPicture.do?name=antweb1008597&shot=h&number=2 (© 2024 California Academy of Sciences, uploaded by R. Keller, specimen code ANTWEB1008597, published in AntWeb Version 8.108, accessed 13 August 2024, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0).

Figure 4

(A) SEM image of a hymenopteran antenna (Anthidium oblongatum). (B) SEM images of male antennal sensilla of Ibalia leucospoides. (C) SEM images of female antennal sensilla of Cerceris rubida. Pe: pedicel; Sc: scape; Fl: flagellum; Pl: placoid sensilla; Tr: trichoid sensilla.

Figure 5

SEM image of wing bristles in a microwasp Megaphragma polilovi. (A) Dorsal view and (B) lateral view. Scale bars: 100 µm. Both figures are from [120] and were reprinted by permission from Springer Nature from the book “At the Size Limit - Effects of Miniaturization in Insects” (chapter “Structure of the Principal Groups of Microinsects. VI. Trichogrammatid Wasps (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)” by A. A. Polilov), Copyright 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland. This content is not subject to CC BY 4.0.

Figure 6

Structures on the leg of Hymenoptera. (A) Adhesive pads in ants (Messor wasmanni) and (B) antenna cleaner (strigil) of velvet ants (Traumatomutilla bifurca). Both figures were taken by Stanislav N. Gorb and were used with permission. This content is not subject to CC BY 4.0.

Figure 7

Perforating structures on the metasoma of Hymenoptera. (A, B) Ovipositor of Neralsia sp. and Andricus coriarius. (C, D) Sting of Oxybelus haemorrhoidalis. La: lancet; St: stylet; Ba: lateral barbed structure.

Figure 8

Scanning Electron Microscopy image showing the stridulatory organ in male velvet ants. (A, B). Myrmilla capitata; (C, D). Nemka viduata. Fi: file; Ri: ridges. Sound is produced by rubbing files and ridges against each other.