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COLOR PRODUCTION MECHANISMS IN SPIDERS AND THEIR BIOMIMICRY POTENTIAL

Hsiung, Bor-Kai
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9657-3484
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1497355826810282

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Integrated Bioscience.
Understanding the color production mechanisms is important to the advancement of understanding color evolution, ecology, adaptation, and functions. Therefore, investigating how spiders produce colors is a critical piece of the puzzle to fully understand spider biology. In this dissertation, I investigated how spiders produce colors through pigments and biogenic photonic structures using varies techniques. We discovered the presence of eumelanin and carotenoids in spiders, which are both common in nature but were previously thought to be absent in spiders. I also discovered melanosomes – a melanin-containing cellular organelle previously assumed to be a synapomorphy for vertebrates – in spiders. Pigments aside, I described many novel and unique biogenic photonic structures in spiders. The blue color for many tarantulas is produced via specialized setae with diverse photonic structures within. A phylogenic analysis on the blue traits iii showed that despite being a very specific (narrow band) blue color, the blue traits evolved independently at least 8 times. In other words, diverse photonic structures evolved convergently to produce a very specific blue color in tarantulas, suggesting an important visual function for yet to be determined receivers. Among these structures, a flower-shaped multilayer structure is of particular interests due to its ability to attenuate iridescence. This particular structure may inspire the design and fabrication of vibrant, durable colorants in the future. On the other hand, two particular species of peacock spiders showcase extremely angle sensitive iridescence, which produces all the colors within the human visible spectrum with the slightest movement. We determined that this rainbow-iridescent optical effect was produced by unique airfoil-shaped setae with surface nanogratings. These setae also possess an unusual high wavelength resolving capability that may contribute to the design and fabrication of miniature optical components to further advance human light-based technologies.
Todd Blackledge (Advisor)
Matthew Shawkey (Advisor)
Peter Niewiarowski (Committee Member)
Abraham Joy (Committee Member)
Morgan Sibbald (Committee Member)
229 p.
Animal Sciences; Animals; Biology; Biophysics; Evolution and Development; Experiments; Morphology; Optics
spider; color; pigment; photonic structure; iridescence; arachnid; tarantula; peacock spider; structural color; Raman spectroscopy; melanin; carotenoid; ommochrome; pterin; diffraction; grating; interference; multilayer; melanosome; arthropod; silk

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hsiung, B.-K. (2017). COLOR PRODUCTION MECHANISMS IN SPIDERS AND THEIR BIOMIMICRY POTENTIAL [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1497355826810282

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hsiung, Bor-Kai. COLOR PRODUCTION MECHANISMS IN SPIDERS AND THEIR BIOMIMICRY POTENTIAL. 2017. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1497355826810282.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hsiung, Bor-Kai. "COLOR PRODUCTION MECHANISMS IN SPIDERS AND THEIR BIOMIMICRY POTENTIAL." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1497355826810282

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1497355826810282
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This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.