School of Life Sciences Seminar Series: Mary Salcedo

School of Life Sciences Seminar Series: Mary Salcedo

"Tracking a living network: Circulation and hydraulics in the wings of locusts"

Insect wings are often thought of as dead, lifeless cuticle, but a functioning and healthy wing is inextricably linked to the active circulatory flow within. Hemolymph, an insect's blood, serves to hydrate tissues, supply nutrients to the nervous and respiratory systems, and circulate cells involved in immune function. Flow of hemolymph is also involved in insect development, serving as a hydraulic tool during growth, metamorphosis and wing expansion. Within the wing, hemolymph circulation is necessary for living organs and sensory structures that exist within the wing itself. However, while the structural and aerodynamic properties of insect wings are relatively well-studied, the internal, living systems within wings—and the flow that supplies them—have been largely ignored, despite their critical importance for insect ecology and evolution. Dr. Salcedo's research examines the intersection between wing morphology, hemodynamics and wing function. This talk will explore critical hypotheses and consequences of circulation within wing veins and pressing issues to explore.