Meeting Abstract
With over 350,000 described species, beetles are some of the most successful organisms on the planet. While beetles inhabit a wide range of ecological niches, the majority of them spend their lives on plants. Therefore, movement across varied surfaces is an essential part of their existence. However, the dynamics of beetle locomotion tend to receive less experimental consideration. Previous research has demonstrated that beetles have evolved adaptions in tarsal morphology allowing for controlled movements, such as walking, across varied surfaces. However, the attachment mechanisms utilized in a less-controlled type of motion, like landing after flight, are far less studied. To begin addressing some of these questions, we observed beetles landing on multiple textured surfaces, while also manipulating different components of their tarsal attachment systems. In order to do this, the tarsal claws were clipped in testing groups, while the adhesive setae were manipulated in others. Convergent lady beetles (Hippodamia convergens) served as the main test subjects for this study. Small UV blacklights were used to spotlight the tested surfaces to stimulate flight towards the desired location and high-speed video was used to view the landings. Results were recorded as successful attachment if the beetle was able to land on a surface without falling off. Previous attachment studies have indicated that the tarsal claw is more suited to rough surfaces and the adhesive setae to smoother surfaces. Given these indications, one could hypothesize that the removal of the claw would impact landings on rougher surfaces only. However, initial results seem to indicate that the tarsal claw may hold a more important role in landing on wide range of surfaces.
