Explore the vast range of titles available.

The present study aimed to revise the subgeneric divisions of the genus Bryobia based on persistent characteristics and to propose species groups in each subgenus to further ease the identification of species. As a result, only three subgenera, based on literature, are recognized, viz, subgenus Bryobia Koch (duplex setae present on leg tarsi III–IV), subgenus Allobia Livschits and Mitrofanov (duplex setae absent on leg tarsi III–IV), and subgenus Lyobia Livschits and Mitrofanov (duplex setae present only on leg tarsus III). The analysis based on morphological characters and available COI sequences on the GenBank database did not resolve the phylogenetic relationship of Bryobia species, and likewise, no support could be found for the proposed subgeneric divisions. The species in each subgenus were further categorized into species groups based on the position of the fourth pair of dorsocentral setae f1, viz, three species groups, praetiosa, osterloffi, and neoephedrae in subgenus Bryobia; three species groups, pritchardi, abbatielloi, and deserticola in subgenus Allobia; and three species groups, eurotiae, sarothamni, and rubrioculus in subgenus Lyobia. Furthermore, detailed notes are provided on eight Bryobia species which were described by Meyer, having morphological characteristics of both the tribes Bryobiini and Hystrichonychini. The generic status of two bryobine species, B. pseudorubrioculus Smiley and Baker and B. tuttlie Smiley and Baker, is also discussed and considered as species inquirendae.

Robotic locomotion in subterranean environments is still unsolved, and it requires innovative designs and strategies to overcome the challenges of burrowing and moving in unstructured conditions with high pressure and friction at depths of a few centimeters. Inspired by antagonistic muscle contractions and constant volume coelomic chambers observed in earthworms, we designed and developed a modular soft robot based on a peristaltic soft actuator (PSA). The PSA demonstrates two active configurations from a neutral state by switching the input source between positive and negative pressure. PSA generates a longitudinal force for axial penetration and a radial force for anchorage, through bidirectional deformation of the central bellows-like structure, which demonstrates its versatility and ease of control. The performance of PSA depends on the amount and type of fluid confined in an elastomer chamber, generating different forces and displacements. The assembled robot with five PSA modules enabled to perform peristaltic locomotion in different media. The role of friction was also investigated during experimental locomotion tests by attaching passive scales like earthworm setae to the ventral side of the robot. This study proposes a new method for developing a peristaltic earthworm-like soft robot and provides a better understanding of locomotion in different environments.

In industrial applications, climbing robots are widely used for climbing and detection of rough or smooth pipe surfaces. Inspired by the special claws of longicorn is that can crawl on rough surfaces and the array of tiny bristles of geckos that can crawl on smooth surfaces, a new type of wall-climbing robot for rough or smooth surfaces is proposed in this paper. The bionic palms of the robot are suggested with special bionic hooks inspired by the longicorn and bionic adhesive materials inspired by the gecko with a good performance on adhering on the surfaces. The special bionic hooks are manufactured by the 3D printing method and the bionic adhesive materials are made by the polymer print lithography technology. These two different bionic adhere accessory are used on the robot’s palm to achieve climbing on the different surfaces. This foldable climbing robot can not only bend its own body to accommodate the cylindrical contact surfaces of different diameters, but also crawl on vertical rough and smooth surfaces using their bionic palms.

Abstract The phylogenetic relationships of members of the hydroporine tribe Bidessini (and particularly of the Neotropical endemic genus Hydrodessus J. Balfour-Browne, 1953) are investigated based on a cladistic analysis of larval characteristics, including 26 Hydroporinae species in 25 genera. For this purpose, the larvae of Hydrodessus latotibialis Miller, 2016 are described for the first time including detailed morphometric and chaetotaxic analyses of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment and urogomphi. Larval morphology supports a monophyletic origin of the Bidessini based on the absence of the primary pore ABc, a unique feature within Hydroporinae. Hydrodessus was recovered as sister to other Bidessini studied, being characterized by several unique character states. This result supports a previous hypothesis of a basal position of this genus within Bidessini based on adult characters. The presence of natatory setae on femur, tibia and tarsus could represent an adaption to life in lotic environments.

The symphylans from Chongqing, Southwest China were investigated and studied for the first time. Four new species of the genus Symphylella , S. obtusa sp. nov. , S. yintiaolingensis sp. nov. , S. flabella sp. nov. , and S. micropora sp. nov. , are identified and described. They were compared with similar species in detail. The DNA barcodes for all new species were sequenced and analyzed together with other congeners and the genetic distance analysis further support our morphological determination. In addition, two groups, the isabellae group and oligosetosa group, of the genus Symphylella are proposed based on the pattern of inserted setae on the tergal processes, and their respective species are listed.

Mimicking living creatures, soft robots exhibit incomparable adaptability and various attractive new features. However, untethered insect-scale soft robots are often plagued with inferior controllability and low kinetic performance. Systematically inspired by the swift swingable abdomen, conducting canals for secretion transport, and body setae of Stenus comma , together with magnetic-induced fast-transformed postures, herein, we present a swift, agile untethered millimetre-scale soft propulsor propelling on water. The demonstrated propulsor, with a body length (BL) of 3.6 mm, achieved a recorded specific speed of ~201 BL/s and acceleration of ~8,372 BL/s 2 . The comprehensive kinetic performance of this propulsor surpasses those of previous ones at similar scales by several orders. Notably, we discovered momentum-transfer-induced over-biological on-demand braking (deceleration ~−5,010 BL/s 2 ) and elucidated the underlying hydrodynamics. This work offers new insights into systematically bio-inspired artificial insect-scale soft robots, enabling them to push boundaries in performance, and potentially revolutionizing robot design, optimization, and control paradigms. Inspired by the swift swingable abdomen, conducting canals, and body setae of Stenus comma, the authors present a swift, agile untethered insect-scale soft propulsor, offering new insights into systematically bio-inspired artificial soft robots.

Chitosanase could degrade chitosan efficiently under mild conditions to prepare chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs). COS possesses versatile physiological activities and has wide application prospects in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Herein, a new glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 46 chitosanase (CscB) was cloned from Kitasatospora setae KM-6054 and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant chitosanase CscB was purified by Ni-charged magnetic beads and showed a relative molecular weight of 29.19 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). CscB showed the maximal activity (1094.21 U/mg) at pH 6.0 and 30 °C. It was revealed that CscB is a cold-adapted enzyme. CscB was determined to be an endo-type chitosanase with a polymerization degree of the final product mainly in the range of 2–4. This new cold-adapted chitosanase provides an efficient enzyme tool for clean production of COSs.

With the increasing size of space facilities, on-orbit assembly requires robots to move on different heights of trusses. This paper proposes a bio-inspired attachment mechanism for robot feet to enable climbing on different heights of trusses. Inspired by the attachment and grasping abilities of Dynastes Hercules, we utilize its foot microstructures, such as microhooks and setae, to achieve efficient contact and firm grip with the surface. The morphology and arrangement of these structures can inspire the design of robot feet to improve their grasping and stability performance. We study the biological structure of Dynastes Hercules, design and optimize the bio-inspired structure, analyze the influence of various factors from theoretical and experimental perspectives, and verify the feasibility of the scheme through simulation. We propose an ideal climbing strategy that provides useful reference for robot applications in practice. Moreover, the influence laws of various factors in this paper can be applied to robot foot design to improve their operation ability and stability performance in the space environment. This bio-inspired mechanism can improve robot working range and efficiency, which is critical for on-orbit assembly in space.

The first and second gonopods (G1 and G2, respectively) in Eubrachyura crabs are covered with cuticular specializations that vary in shape and size. Describing these specializations would allow a better understanding of this organ and its role in copulation, especially if associated with the internal structure of the gonopods. Therefore, this study aims to contrast the morphology of the gonopods of seven species of Eubrachyura. The specimens were analyzed macroscopically, histologically, and microscopically using SEM. The G1 and the G2 in all species are formed by two segments, with G1 presenting an ejaculatory canal that is lacking in G2. Apical projections were observed in four species. The G2 endopodvaries in size among species. Five types of setae were observed: simple, pappose, papposerrate, conical, and paddle-shaped. Histologically, G1 and G2 are very similar, differing in that G1 presents the ejaculatory canal in longitudinal and transverse sections, as well as tegumentary glands, whereas G2 lacks both. There is a trend in the morphology of Eubrachyura crab’s gonopods which corresponds to the groups Thoracotremata and Heterotremata. The observed morphological variations suggest the presence of species-specific gonopod types. Los primeros (G1) y segundos (G2) gonópodos en los cangrejos Eubrachyura están cubiertos con especializaciones cuticulares que varían en forma y tamaño. Describir dichas especializaciones permitiría una mejor comprensión de este órgano y su papel en la copulación, especialmente si se asocia con la estructura interna de los gonópodos. Por lo tanto, este estudio tiene como objetivo contrastar la morfología de los gonópodos entre siete especies de Eubrachyura. Los especímenes fueron analizados macroscópicamente e histológicamente por medio de microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM). En todas las especies el G1 y el G2 están formados por dos segmentos, el G1 presenta un canal eyaculador, mientras que el G2 no lo presenta. Se observaron proyecciones apicales en cuatro especies. El endopodito G2 varía en tamaño entre las especies. Se observaron cinco tipos de setas: simples, papposas, papposerradas, cónicas y en forma de paleta. Histológicamente, el G1 y el G2 son muy similares, diferenciándose en que el G1 presenta el canal eyaculador en secciones longitudinales y transversales, y glándulas tegumentarias, mientras que el G2 carece de ambos. Existe una tendencia en la morfología de los gonópodos de los cangrejos Eubrachyura que corresponde a los grupos Thoracotremata y Heterotremata. Las variaciones observadas sugieren la existencia de estructuras gonopodales específicas para cada especie.

Many termite species initiate colonization flights during or shortly after periods of rain, employing two different flight strategies: flying during the day in the rain and flying at night in a dry environment. As noted in previous studies, it appears easier for a species to become adapted to a wet environment by changing the contour/shape rather than the composition of the cuticle surface. We utilized differential interference contrast and scanning electron microscopy to observe the micro-nanostructure of the wing cuticles of 54 termite species from 16 families/subfamilies. Twenty-four species of higher termites possessed wings with anti-wetting structures of setae and a micraster array. The majority of lower termite wings had smoother cuticle surfaces. Based on the hierarchical design of termite wings, we conclude that various species are adapted to flying in the rain.