Multi-levels, multi-scales and multi-functions in the fine structure of the wing veins in the dragonfly pantala Flavescens(fabricius) (anisoptera: Libellulidae)

The internal fine structure of the wing veins is explored and the relationships between the structures and the functions of dragonfly wing veins are revealed. SEM photographs of the cross-sections of dragonfly wing veins have shown that: (a) the micro/nano structures vary along the axis of a vein, i.e. different cross-sections have different micro/nano structures. - (b) In a given cross-section, the micro/nano structures are at multi-levels and multi-scales. - (c) At a large scale, the structures of the veins are of diversities and disorders. The larger the size scale, the more complicated the structures and the higher are the diversities and disorders. The smaller the size scale, the simpler are the structures, and the higher are the unifications and orders. (d) At nano scale, we may induce an unified assembling mode for the vein's structures, i.e."nano fibres -→ nano layers (or nano bunches)". - (e) Both the mechanical and the biological functions of the micro/nano structures of the veins are optimized.