The manuscript also describes the brand-new “forceR” software, with which the bite force worths and shapes of the bite curves can be examined and compared.
A praying mantis (Hierodula sp.)– bites into the plates of the sensor. Credit: Volker Lannert/University of Bonn
An insect bite force sensor system has been established by scientists at the University of Bonn
How hard can an insect bite? This makes it possible to understand the advancement of biting forces, such as those of pests.
The bug safeguards itself by biting down on the two metal plates that send pressure to a piezo crystal as it approaches the sensing unit. Depending on how quickly a bug reaches the optimal power at which it might bite, the increase and fall may sometimes be flatter.
The bite curves of a praying mantis– measured by the forceX system which can be seen on the laptop. In the background, Peter T. Rühr is carrying out the measurement. Credit: Volker Lannert/University of Bonn
Barely any data on bite force
“It might not constantly be advantageous to be able to bite hard, due to the fact that keeping the ability to bite strong needs higher energetic expenses,” Rühr says. The bite force may depend, for example, on what food an insect feeds on or whether it requires the mandibles to protect itself.
A light trap is used to capture insects in the dark and then determine their bite force. Credit: Peter T. Rühr/ University of Bonn.
The team under the instructions of Professor Dr. Alexander Blanke, who has been awarded a Starting Grant by the European Research Council (ERC), surpassed the systems already out there for measuring bite forces.
To determine if the mandibles of the pest being studied are in touch with the metal plates of the sensor at the proper location, the University of Bonn scientists used a stereo microscopic lense, which resembles an effective magnifying glass. The top plate utilizes a rocker to send the force to the sensor while the bottom plate stays fixed.
Versatile adjustment to mandible size is possible
” Depending on the size and opening angle of the mandibles, we utilize in a different way sized, interchangeable bite plates,” states Rühr, describing the advancements. “This enables the sensor to be adjusted over a relatively wide variety to satisfy the specific requirements of the animals.” The total system is battery-powered and can for that reason be utilized for mobile measurements– even in the “wild”.
A stag beetle (Lucanidae sp.)– biting the metal plates of the sensor. Credit: Peter T. Rühr/ University of Bonn
Usually, the animals do not require much persuasion prior to they bite. They feel unpleasant in the unknown environment and battle back with defensive bites. If this instinctive habits stops working to materialize, the researchers stroke the insect heads with a delicate brush– at the most current then the insects will close their jaws.
High accuracy of the measurement
For publication in Methods in Ecology and Evolution, the scientists figured out the precision of the system: They did this by attaching different weights, ranging from one gram to practically one kilogram, to the movable metal plate. An overall of 1,600 repetitions reveal that the deviation between measurements is an optimum of 2.2 percent. “That is very precise,” states Rühr. The system can also be used to determine the force of scorpion or crab claws, for instance.
The mobile forceX system– fits conveniently in the trunk of a cars and truck. Power is provided by rechargeable batteries. Credit: Peter T. Rühr/ University of Bonn
Rühr and Blanke built the system during their time at the University of Cologne, in part with the regional accuracy engineering workshop. The manuscript also explains the new “forceR” software, with which the bite force worths and shapes of the bite curves can be examined and compared. The scientists do not desire to bring the bite force sensor system to market.
Reference: “forceX and forceR: A mobile setup and r plan to measure and evaluate a vast array of animal closing forces” by Peter T. Rühr and Alexander Blanke, 29 May 2022, Methods in Ecology and Evolution.DOI: 10.1111/ 2041-210X.13909.
The study was moneyed by the European Research Council (ERC) and the German Research Foundation (DFG).
The bug secures itself by biting down on the two metal plates that send pressure to a piezo crystal as it approaches the sensor. Depending on how quickly a bug reaches the optimal power at which it might bite, the rise and fall might often be flatter.
“It may not always be beneficial to be able to bite hard, due to the fact that maintaining the capability to bite strong demands higher energetic costs,” Rühr says. The bite force may depend, for example, on what food an insect feeds on or whether it needs the mandibles to safeguard itself.
