Figure 4 | Scientific Reports

Figure 4

From: Reversible Underwater Adhesion: The Unique C-shaped Suckers of Net-winged Midge Larvae (Blepharicera sp.)

Figure 4

(a) The inner architecture of the sucker is similar to donut shape, which is hollowed inside. This architecture might be the tunnel for fluid to flow through, or provide flexibility for the sucker and helps it to adapt to a variety of surface profiles. (b,c) The alignment of fibers is perpendicular to the top wrinkled surface. (d) SEM micrographs at higher magnifications showing interwoven structure of the fibers can be observed. This interwoven structure might provide the strength of the sucker.

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