How to improve soil anti-adhesion by studying the micro relief of the cuticle surface of digging beetles: exploring the biodiversity of Argentina as a source of bioinspiration

Abstract

Some years ago, Tesouro et al. (2018) proposed a possible solution for decreasing adhesion of the soil particles to the surface components of agricultural machinery based on a biological system (biomimetic studies). This has the purpose of reducing the drawing force on the tool with a consequent reduction in fuel consumption. They analyzed the micro topography (micro relief) of the cuticular surface of the Diloboderus abderus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The main features found on the beetle´s head and pronotum were the presence of dimples, showing a short hair in their center, and distributed randomly. Based on the dimples of the thorax Tesouro et al. designed a macro topography pattern for the upper surface of a steel shovel for tilling (agricultural tool). The results indicated a reduction of the average traction demand of approximately 7% for the biomimetic shovel. Presently, we are exploring the micro relief of the cuticle surface of other beetle species living in Argentina that are considered as true soil diggers to find new anti-adhesion patterns.