Meeting Abstract

12-4  Monday, Jan. 4 11:00  Form and function of gecko toepads in relation to body angle: A comparative study BRIGGS, D*; KUO, C; CROSBY, A; IRSCHICK, D; University of Massachusetts at Amherst; University of Massachusetts at Amherst; University of Massachusetts at Amherst; University of Massachusetts at Amherst drbriggs@umass.edu http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/irschick/

We investigated how the toepads of various gecko species were employed in relation to body posture, such as when geckos were hanging upside down, rightside up, or were positioned sideways. We investigated the angles between the toes on each foot (fore and hind). We calculated toe angles for each individual by taking photos of the body oriented up, down, and sideways. We hypothesized that because different gecko species have differing toepad areas, and also differ in the relative shape and even the number of functional toes, that they would differ in how they use their toes. For example, the genus Phelsuma has primarily 4 functional toes, whereas other geckos, such as tokay geckos employ five. Our study thus provides vital insight into the mechanics of how animals that vary in size from several grams to close to 100 grams are able to adhere to surfaces in an effective way. This work could also inform new synthetic technologies on the best methods for ahdering to structures in different orientations.