The puncture mechanics: an example from the bed bug Cimex lectularius showing traumatic insemination using the paramere

Cimicidae are well-known for traumatic insemination, and males pierce females with their parameres and transfer sperm through them. The shape of parameres is relatively stable in the family, but in some genera the paramere is elongated, appearing less resistant against lateral deflection. To understand the mechanical limitations of the paramere, we studied its penetration mechanics of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. We examined the postabdominal morphology, paramere geometry, and material properties and conducted breaking stress experiments on the paramere under wet and dry conditions. Mechanical property gradients are present with the paramere tip as the stiffest region and the base as the most flexible one. These mechanical properties relate to the presence of Ca, Zn, and Si. The basal wing-shaped structure is flexible, enabling it to interlock with the anal region during mating. The paramere is slightly twisted; the tip region is circular in cross-section, and the geometry of ..., , , # The puncture mechanics: an example from the bed bug *Cimex lectularius* showing traumatic insemination using the paramere

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.j3tx95xnz](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.j3tx95xnz)

## Description of the data and file structure

CT datasets of female and male abdomina of *Cimex lectularius*. The CT data consist of tiff image files.

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## Code/Software

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