Research on elytron section microstructure of four species beetles and biomimetic models

The microstructure of the elytron of four species beetles, Protaetia orentalis, Copris ochus, Anoplophora chinensis and Cytister bengalensis, were examined with SEM. The biomimetic schematic models were established based on the analysis results. The results showed that the elytron is composed of laminated composite materials and the structures of their fibers or fiber bundles have varied types, including T type structure, the branch fiber structure, the laminated structure, the helicoidal structure, the hole structure and the reticular structure. The laminated structure is important in the microstructures of the elytron. There are many types of fiber reinforced composite boards based on the different structures of biological composite materials. The structural feature of the insect elytron materials can provide some biomimetic models for the structural design of the biomimetic composite materials with light weight and high strength including the laminated composites and the fiber reinforced composites.