Cupedidae Beetle Respond to Infrared Rays

Function

The adult cupedidae beetle possesses a special sensory organ that detects the infrared rays that emanate from forest fires. The beetle approaches the area to lay its eggs under the tree bark that was burned by the fire. After hatching, the larvae of the cupedidae beetle are free to utilize the nutrients of the tree for food without worrying about being swept away by tree sap.

Functional Classification

Resouce/Energy/Information Collection & Storage:
Location detection

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

S. Schmitz, et al., Insect antenna as a smoke detector. Nature, 398, 298-299

Technical Application

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

The beetle’s ability to sense infrared rays can be used in the development of fire alarms that can detect fires at an early stage. Such knowledge can also be used to develop high-efficiency, small infrared ray sensors.

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Life Style