Dew condensation on desert beetle skin.

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Materials Science
• Bio-inspired Engineering

Background:

• Namib desert tenebrionid beetles utilize body surfaces for fog-water collection.
• Water scarcity in deserts drives adaptations for moisture acquisition in insects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential for dew water collection by desert insects.
• To analyze the surface properties of Physasterna cribripes elytra for dew formation.

Main Methods:

• Investigated infra-red emissivity, wetting, and structural properties of Physasterna cribripes elytra.
• Conducted dew formation experiments in a condensation chamber.
• Utilized scanning electron microscopy and scanning pyrometry.

Main Results:

• Physasterna cribripes elytra exhibit high infra-red emissivity (0.95±0.07), facilitating dew formation.
• Dew preferentially formed in the valleys between elytral bumps due to microstructural differences.
• Condensed water droplets slid to the insect's mouth upon reaching critical size.

Conclusions:

• The elytra surface properties of Physasterna cribripes support dew water collection.
• Microstructural features on the elytra play a crucial role in dew nucleation and collection.
• This study highlights a potential mechanism for water acquisition in desert insects.