Aphids Secrete Water-Repellent Material

Function

Aphids secrete wax, which they use to coat their waste (known as honeydew) and the inner wall of their nests. This allows them to expel honeydew from their nests as it accumulates.

Functional Classification

Form/Organization/System:
Decomposition
Defense/Stability:
Water repellent

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

"Pike, N., D. Richard, W. Foster & L. Mahadevan (2002) How aphids lose their marbles. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 269: 1211-1215

Technical Application

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

The wax produced by the aphids creates a ball of liquid with a hydrophobic coating. This process could be used to create hypoallergenic stoppages for medical purposes, as well as waterproof shipping packaging.

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Life Style