Knowledge from hymenopteran ovipositors: a review of past and current biomimetic research

Biomimetic research has drawn inspiration from the knowledge acquired from the diverse morphologies and specialized functions of hymenopteran ovipositors. For example, the morphology of the honeybee stinger was used to create surgical needles that reduce insertion forces, minimize tissue damage, and increase precision. Similarly, the reciprocating drilling mechanisms observed in wood-boring hymenopterans inspired the development of steerable probes for neurosurgery, offering improved control and reduced trauma during penetration. Despite these advances, the ovipositors of sawflies, which promise intricate cutting mechanisms, have remained poorly studied in biomimetics. Unlike wood-boring species, most sawflies typically cut through soft plant tissues using their saw-like ovipositors, which could inspire new designs for precise cutting and sawing devices. This review advocates the need for further research into the structure, mechanical properties and functional principles of sawfly ovipositors to fully exploit their potential in bio-inspiration. We highlight the lack of detailed mechanical studies connecting ovipositor morphology to cutting efficiency and substrate interactions. Understanding these relationships could uncover new principles for engineering applications, such as medical or industrial cutting tools.