Friction Measurements of Scales on Firebrats Body Surfaces by Using AFM

Abstract

Friction is one of the great problems for wide variety of field, including insects, because of wearing of their body surfaces. Therefore, we focused on firebrat, because they live under bark and small cavity, and their surface would evolve for protection from wearing. In this report, surface observations by using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and friction measurements by using atomic force microscope (AFM) of firebrat body surfaces were carried out. As results, observations by using FE-SEM revealed that firebrats have many scales with groove structure, and groove period was non-uniformity around the head. Friction measurements by using AFM cleared that friction force was different from scanning direction and probe tip diameters. It is suggested that firebrat may reduce average friction forces and protect from wearing by using scales with non-uniformity groove structure.