Electrostatic moths: The triboelectrifcation of Manduca sexta during flight

Insects aggregate electrostatic surface charges through frictional contact with surfaces in their environments. These charges effect the behavior and environmental interactions of the insects carrying them. The biological factors influencing how much charge an insect can aggregate are still poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of flight on the generation and distribution of these charges on the surface of adult Manduca sexta moths.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Entomology

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Carroll, Xavier Alexander Floyd

Contributors dc:contributor

• Alleyne, Marianne
• Dolezal, Adam
• Bernhard, Jennifer Truman

• Triboelectrification
• electrostatics
• manduca
• flight
• moths

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Xavier Carroll

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129617

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129617