Luis Eduardo Tellechea Robles

Luis Eduardo Tellechea Robles

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
11 July 2019 in Wetlands
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
LRLuis Eduardo Tellechea Robles
Luis Eduardo Tellechea Robles
MCMario Salazar Ceseña
Mario Salazar Ceseña
SBStephen H. Bullock
Stephen H. Bullock
RCRuben Cadena-Nava
Ruben Cadena-Nava
RMRodrígo Méndez-Alonzo
Rodrígo Méndez-Alonzo

31 March 2022 in Biomimetics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LRLuis Eduardo Tellechea Robles
Luis Eduardo Tellechea Robles
RMRodrígo Méndez-Alonzo
Rodrígo Méndez-Alonzo
FMFrancisco E Molina-Freaner
Francisco E Molina-Freaner
AMAmir Maldonado
Amir Maldonado
We have studied the external surface (elytra) of the Sonoran Desert beetle (Eleodes eschscholtzii). Our aim was to assess whether this species has similar traits to some beetles from the Namibian Desert that are known to have hierarchical micropatterns that allow for water harvesting. We have conducted scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and apparent contact angle experiments on specimens collected at two sampling sites with different ambient humidity. The results show that the beetle’s external surface microstructure is composed of a compact array of polygons with randomly scattered protuberances. The density of the polygons in the microstructure is different for individuals collected in different sites: the polygon array is denser in the more humid site and less dense in the drier site. The measured contact angles also depend on the sampling site. For individuals collected in the drier site, the average apparent contact angle is 70°, whereas for the more humid site, the average apparent contact angle is 92°. FT-IR experiments are consistent with the presence of hydrophobic wax compounds in the studied surfaces. Our investigation opens new questions that are currently being addressed by experiments that are underway. For instance, it would be interesting to know whether the observed nanopatterns could be used in biomimetic devices for water harvesting purposes.