Antennal biomechanics of house crickets (Acheta domesticus L.)

Abstract

The structure of insect antennae is greatly influenced by the functional demands which the antennae fill, the environment in which they operate and the way these two factors interact with the biomechanical properties of the antennae. This study looks at such interactions in the House Cricket ( Acheta domesticus) by examining the morphology, distribution of mass, and flexural stiffness of the antennae. In each case, the properties of the antennae were modulated by the need to have antennae that are long for mechanoreception, yet flexible enough to avoid damage. These properties are an important step towards understanding not only how insect antennae can be modified, but what implications these modifications have on the survival of the organism.