A new study has revealed the secret behind cicadas’ self-cleaning surfaces. Researchers have discovered that cicadas use a combination of waxes and oils to keep their bodies free of dirt and dust, and this process is known as “superhydrophobicity.” This means that cicadas can stay clean even in the harshest of environments. The researchers also found that the waxes and oils allow the cicadas to repel water, so that water droplets are spread evenly over the surface of the cicada’s body. This helps the cicada to stay dry and clean in wet or humid conditions.

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org