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Created: 2011-09-19
Updated: 2011-09-19

Chemical plug prevents mating: butterfly


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Slide_show_arrows  1 of 1 Mating butterflies / OntCopper / LicenseCC-by-nc-nd - Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives

The mating apparatus of male butterflies prevents other males from mating with a female by producing a chemical plug.

Biomimicry Taxonomy
 
Taxonomy_1 Maintain physical integrity >
Taxonomy_2 Regulate physiological processes >
Taxonomy_3 Reproduction or growth
Biomimetic Application Ideas
 
Plugging apparatus for leaks such as in oil pipelines, radiators.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary
"The mating apparatus of the male honeybee actually explodes and detaches, plugging the newly mated queen and preventing other males from mating with her. A number of insects, including butterflies, have chemical mating plugs which serve the same purpose and may even provide nutrients that the female absorbs and uses for egg production." (Forsyth 1992:32)
About the inspiring organism
Lepidoptera
Lepidoptera


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

Application Ideas: Plugging apparatus for leaks such as in oil pipelines, radiators.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Mining, transportation

References
Forsyth, A. 1992. Exploring the World of Insects: The Equinox Guide to Insect Behaviour. Camden House.
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