VARIATION OF OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND PHOTONIC MECHANISMS IN COSTA RICAN BEETLES
Abstract
In Nature, optical features such as color, have evolved for millions of years as a predominant signal used for different purposes related to communication and mimicry. Their production mechanisms are also quite diverse, ranging from pigmentary color of various biomolecules to structural color origined in the interaction of light with cuticular ultrastructures. In particular, insects from the order Coleoptera, display a wide variety of photonic structures that are linked to equally diverse optical phenomena such as iridescence, luminescence, ultraviolet signals, polarized reflectance and complex photonic crystals. Exploring questions such as whether specimens of the same species but with different geographical origin display the same optical signature, or even in a more general scope, whether insects with the same structural color but that come from places with different light and weather conditions display the same spectral signature using the same photonic mechanisms, will provide useful information that will complement the current knowledge about biological photonic materials and that might in the future contribute also to the understanding about the functionality of such appearance. Even more, the study of variation of optical properties between individuals of the same species might offer a complementary tool to taxonomy. In this project, we plan to take advantage of Costa Rica’s biodiversity and access to a wide variety of relevant beetle species to perform an exploratory study of optical properties of Costa Rican beetles and develop and populate a framework that integrates information detailing the optical properties, photonic structure, geographical origin, environmental conditions of different species of beetles, allowing for accurate modeling and elucidation of the design rules for broadband reflectors in insects in Costa Rica. The proposed methodology includes the use of physical characterization techniques such as spectrophotometry, AFM, SEM, TEM, X-ray tomography to study the exocuticle of the insects. A preliminary exploration of the physiology of the eyes of beetles is also considered in order to identify structures that might be related to visual capabilities in terms of perception of linear and/or circular polarization. Also, we will measure and record the ambient light environment, including irradiance and polarization states, of variable habitats in Costa Rica in which the specimens are collected in order to relate them to the corresponding optical properties. The work will be done in collaboration with researchers from US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)/Natural Systems Sensing Laboratory and will be based on initial measurements and observations obtained during the planned May 2022 research expedition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502210502
Entities
People
- Marcela Hernandez
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Costa Rica