Abstract
Powerful shovel-like forelimbs with special shape, structure and biological materials enable mole cricket to digging efficiently. During digging, the tip of the claw needs to wedge into the soil, and the base needs to withstand considerable anti-shear force. In this study, we analysed the structural characteristics, material composition and mechanical properties of the claw teeth using scanning electron microscopy, plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, nanoindentation and finite element analysis. The results show that the tips of claw teeth have a dense and homogeneous structure and a higher hardness and contents of Mn and Zn compared with the base. The structure of the base of claw teeth has an obvious laminar structure and higher fracture resistance. Moreover, it is speculated from the simulation results that basal position of the claw teeth is tough enough to withstand high stress, and the presence of the ribs effectively improves the mechanical stability and load-bearing capacity of the teeth during excavation. The results of this study can provide inspiration for the design of efficient mechanical components and agricultural implements.
Highlights
Mole crickets are typical soil insects that possess an excellent excavating ability
The procuticle is located under the epidermis and is the main structural part of the exoskeleton that is used to withstand the mechanical load from the environment
We evaluated the structural characteristics, material composition, and mechanical properties of different positions of the claw tooth from mole crickets using scanning electron microscopy, plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, nanoindentation test and finite element analysis
Summary
Mole crickets are typical soil insects that possess an excellent excavating ability. The digging speed of mole crickets can reach 20 cm/min in soft soil, which equals 5 times their body length (approximately 4 cm)[1]. The efficient excavation capacity of mole crickets is related to the geometry, structure and material of the claws on the forelimbs that is used as the main soil-engaging component[2,3]. Each claw has four claw teeth that are arranged in parallel on the tip of the claw, and there is a 30 ̊ angle between each tooth. The tip blade of a claw tooth is rounded and has a strong ability to wedge into soil[4]
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