Termite's Twisted Mandible Presents Fast, Powerful, and Precise Strikes.
Journal
Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
Titre abrégé: Sci Rep
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101563288
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
11 06 2020
11 06 2020
Historique:
received:
06
02
2020
accepted:
23
04
2020
entrez:
13
6
2020
pubmed:
13
6
2020
medline:
1
12
2020
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
The asymmetric mandibles of termites are hypothetically more efficient, rapid, and powerful than the symmetric mandibles of snap-jaw ants or termites. We investigated the velocity, force, precision, and defensive performance of the asymmetric mandibular snaps of a termite species, Pericapritermes nitobei. Ultrahigh-speed recordings of termites revealed a new record in biological movement, with a peak linear velocity of 89.7-132.4 m/s within 8.68 μs after snapping, which caused an impact force of 105.8-156.2 mN. High-speed video recordings of ball-strike experiments on termites were analysed using the principle of energy conservation; the left mandibles precisely hit metal balls at the left-to-front side with a maximum linear velocity of 80.3 ± 15.9 m/s (44.0-107.7 m/s) and an impact force of 94.7 ± 18.8 mN (51.9-127.1 mN). In experimental fights between termites and ant predators, Pe. nitobei killed 90-100% of the generalist ants with a single snap and was less likely to harm specialist ponerine ants. Compared with other forms, the asymmetric snapping mandibles of Pe. nitobei required less elastic energy to achieve high velocity. Moreover, the ability of P. nitobei to strike its target at the front side is advantageous for defence in tunnels.
Identifiants
pubmed: 32528013
doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-66294-1
pii: 10.1038/s41598-020-66294-1
pmc: PMC7289866
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
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