Meeting Abstract
Although the microstructural and mechanistic basis of gecko adhesion has been elucidated, further functional assessment across taxa is required to understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of this innovation. However, sampling within performance-related studies remains limited to roughly 20 species exhibiting the basal toe pad morphology and only two species with the derived leaf-like morphology. Moreover, the differential use of toe pads and claws in the wild has been formally documented in only a single species. We explored clinging ability in a native padded and clawed species, Phyllodactylus nocticolus, the Peninsular Leaf-toed gecko. Accounts of P. nocticolus climbing over and on undersides of various rocky substrate types point to the species’ ability to manage a variety of surface conditions and potentially to an adept frictional adhesive system. We observed and captured individuals in the field, gathering general ecological (including substrate) and external morphological data and conducting two clinging performance assays using rough and smooth surfaces. First, we evaluated peak tension by allowing the gecko to freely place its forefeet onto a substrate and pulling the animal in parallel opposition to a force gauge. Second, we evaluated an angle of slippage during station holding using a rotatable platform (0 to 180°). Preliminary results indicate that this species has relatively low adhesive capacity compared to other geckos, both in terms of clinging force and station holding. Furthermore, clinging ability was greater on rougher surfaces, suggesting a heavier reliance on claw use and potential dissociation of the adhesive system with the substrate during clinging and climbing.
