David Kisailus of the University of California, Irvine says what sets the diabolical beetle apart is the unusual architecture of its outer shell. “The two halves of its exoskeleton, which are called elytra … this structure is fused together. It's no longer able to fly. … So what we found was that interface has a jigsaw-puzzle-like geometry that provides exceptional interlocking strength.” Read More

NPR
NPR