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Thank a Genius
Created: 2011-09-19
Updated: 2011-09-19

Antennae enhance odor detection: giant silkworm moths


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Slide_show_arrows  1 of 1 Columbia silk moth / Matt Reinbol.. / LicenseCC-by-sa - Attribution Share Alike

The antennae of silkworm moths increase sensitivity to odors because the shape and structure of sensillae direct air flow through them.

Biomimicry Taxonomy
 
Taxonomy_1 Process information >
Taxonomy_2 Sense signals/environmental cues >
Taxonomy_3 Chemicals (odor, taste, etc.)
Biomimetic Application Ideas
 
Optimal size and shape for detection of air molecules. Adjusting the chemical reaction time on surface (air).

> Visit strategy page

[Collapse all sections] Summary
"Females [giant silkworm moths] attract males for mating by releasing a volatile attractant chemical, but these moths typically live at very low population densities. Males have equipment to smell out females at distances of miles- large, feather-shaped antennae (fig. 6.5) on which some 70 percent of the sensilla are sensitive to nothing other than the females' perfume- truly an olfactory sensation. A nineteenth-century French entomologist, Jean Henri Fabre, did a few experiments on the phenomenon but still could not belive that any sense of smell could work so well (Teale 1949)!

"In order for an odorant to be picked up from the airstream, air must be made to pass through an antenna." (Vogel 2003:124-125)
About the inspiring organism
Med_800pxflickr__furryscaly__columbia_silk_moth Saturniidae
Saturniidae


Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist
Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Optimal size and shape for detection of air molecules. Adjusting the chemical reaction time on surface (air).

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Biosensors, green chemistry

References
Steven Vogel. 2003. Comparative Biomechanics: Life's Physical World. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 580 p.
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