What Is Unique about the “Issus Coleoptratus” Insect?

In 2013, using high-speed video, scientists were finally able to see what makes a young Issus coleoptratus so unique. They've known for years about the interlocking gear-like structures on the plant-hopping insect's legs, but until they were able to see the bug in action in slow motion, they didn't fully understand how the wave-shaped gears meshed. These interlocking gears allow the insect to launch itself with one smooth, explosive motion.

"To the best of my knowledge, it's the first demonstration of functioning gears in any animal," said study researcher Malcolm Burrows, an emeritus professor of neurobiology at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

A small insect with serious moves:

• Once locked and loaded, the adolescent planthopper accelerates to nearly 400 times the force of gravity, much more than a human could withstand. The Issus coleoptratus is among the animal kingdom's fastest accelerators.
• The researchers believe the Issus coleoptratus, which lives mostly on European climbing ivy, evolved its lightning-fast reflexes in order to flee from dangerous situations.
• The insect doesn't keep these gears throughout its life, however. They disappear during the molting process as the Issus coleoptratus reaches adulthood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Issus coleoptratus insect?

The Issus coleoptratus is a species of planthopper commonly found in gardens across Europe. It's particularly known for its unique gear-like structures in its hind legs, which synchronize leg movements during jumps, ensuring a stable and precise launch. This mechanical adaptation is rare and not found in any other known animal species.

Why are the gears of Issus coleoptratus unique in the animal kingdom?

The gears on the hind legs of the Issus coleoptratus are unique because they represent a biological form of mechanical gearing, previously thought to be solely a human invention. These gears ensure synchronized leg movements, a feature that is critical for the insect's powerful and directed jumps. This evolutionary solution is a remarkable example of natural engineering.

How do the gears of Issus coleoptratus function?

The gears of the Issus coleoptratus function by interlocking the hind legs together, ensuring that they operate in unison. When the insect jumps, the gears rotate like mechanical cogs, providing precise timing that results in a synchronized movement. This coordination maximizes the insect's jumping efficiency and accuracy, a vital adaptation for escape and mobility.

At what stage of life does the Issus coleoptratus have these gears?

The gear-like structures in Issus coleoptratus are present in the nymph stages of the insect's life cycle. As the insect matures into an adult, it loses these gears. This suggests that the gears are particularly important for the survival of younger, more vulnerable nymphs that require quick escape mechanisms to avoid predators.

What happens to the gears as the Issus coleoptratus matures?

As the Issus coleoptratus matures and transitions from nymph to adult, the gears are shed and no longer present. The adult planthopper relies on friction between the legs to synchronize jumps instead. This change indicates a shift in survival strategies as the insect grows and possibly a reduced need for such precise synchronization in adults.

What is the significance of the Issus coleoptratus' gears in scientific research?

The discovery of the Issus coleoptratus' gears has significant implications for biomimetics, where biological systems inspire the design of engineering solutions. Studying these natural gears could lead to advancements in robotics and mechanical design, offering insights into creating more efficient and miniaturized machinery that mimics this highly effective natural synchronization mechanism.