History:...Leaf serves as container: red oak roller weevil...Body sheds dirt particles: stonefly larvae...Bees collect DDT: orchid bees

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Created: 2011-09-27
Updated: 2011-09-27

Exoskeleton absorbs shock: dragonfly

1 of 1 Dragonfly / André Karwa.. / License

The exoskeleton of a dragonfly protects it during collisions with prey by being hard yet flexible enough to absorb shock.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Impact

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Better bike helmets and other transportation safety devices Flexible yet resistant packaging

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

The dragonfly "can accelerate up to a speed that is quite surprising for an insect: 25 mph (40 km/h), which would be identical to an athlete running 100 metres in the Olympics at 24.4mph (39km/h).

"At this speed, it collides with its prey. The shock of the impact is quite strong. However, the armoury of the dragonfly is both very resistant and very flexible. The flexible structure of its body absorbs the impact of collision. However, the same cannot be said for its prey. The dragonfly's prey would pass out or even be killed by the impact." (Yahya 2002:20)

About the inspiring organism

Odonata
Odonata

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Better bike helmets and other transportation safety devices, flexible yet resistant packaging.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Transportation, packaging

References

Harun Yahya. 2002. Design in Nature. London: Ta-Ha Publishers Ltd. 180 p.