Meeting Abstract 50.9 Jan. 6 The Mechanics of Slithering HU, DL*; BUSH, JWM; SHELLEY, MJ; The Courant Institute, New York University dhu@cims.nyu.edu Snakes propel themselves over land using a variety of techniques, including a unidirectional accordion-like mode, lateral sinuous slithering and sidewinding. We explore these friction-based propulsion mechanisms through a combined experimental and theoretical investigation. Particular attention […]
sessions: Session 50
Target tracking and behavioral release of venom spitting in cobras
Meeting Abstract 50.3 Jan. 6 Target tracking and behavioral release of venom spitting in cobras YOUNG, Bruce/A.*; BOETIG, Melissa; WESTHOFF, Guido; Washburn University; Washburn University; University of Bonn bruce.young@washburn.edu Multiple species of African and Asiatic cobras can expel (or �spit�) their venom during defensive encounters. Previous studies have shown that this spitting behavior is consistently associated with […]
Semicircular Canal Morphology as Evidence of Locomotor Behavior in Amniotes
Meeting Abstract 50.10 Jan. 6 Semicircular Canal Morphology as Evidence of Locomotor Behavior in Amniotes GEORGI, Justin A; Stony Brook University, Stony Brook justin.georgi@hsc.stonybrook.edu The vestibular system is a critical component of the neural control of locomotion in vertebrates. In the vestibule, macular endorgans transduce linear movements of the head and the semicircular ducts transduce the rotational […]
On the structure and function of the inner chamber of the facial pits of pitvipers (Viperidae Crotalinae)
Meeting Abstract 50.6 Jan. 6 On the structure and function of the inner chamber of the facial pits of pitvipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae) YOUNG, Bruce A.; FAHEY, Anna; KROCHMAL, Aaron R.*; Washburn University; Washburn University; University of Houston – Downtown krochmala@uhd.edu Pitvipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae) are named for their paired, thermally-sensitive facial pits located midway between the eye and […]
Movement and Body Stretch Encoding by Mechanosensors in Manduca sexta
Meeting Abstract 50.7 Jan. 6 Movement and Body Stretch Encoding by Mechanosensors in Manduca sexta SIMON, M.A.**; TRIMMER, B.A.; Tufts University, Medford, MA; Tufts University, Medford, MA michael.simon@tufts.edu Caterpillars are soft-bodied, terrestrial climbers capable of a wide variety of complex movements despite a relatively simple nervous system. To navigate successfully, they must adapt their movements in response […]
Morphology and mechanism of the opercular spine locking apparatus in haematophagous candiru catfish
Meeting Abstract 50.1 Jan. 6 Morphology and mechanism of the opercular spine locking apparatus in haematophagous candiru catfish ADRIAENS, D*; BEKAERT, K; Ghent University, Belgium; Ghent University, Belgium Dominique.Adriaens@ugent.be During early evolution of actinopterygian fishes, mouth opening enabled by the hyoid system became assisted by the opercular linkage system, coupling opercular rotation to lower jaw depression. This […]
Hydraulic Delivery of Chemicals to the Vomeronasal Organs in Squamate Reptiles A Comparative Morphological Study
Meeting Abstract 50.5 Jan. 6 Hydraulic Delivery of Chemicals to the Vomeronasal Organs in Squamate Reptiles: A Comparative Morphological Study FILORAMO, N.I.; SCHWENK, K.**; Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs; Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs kurt.schwenk@uconn.edu Despite growing evidence for the importance of vomeronasal chemoreception in the sociobiology of lizards and snakes, the biomechanics of this process are poorly understood. […]
Death roll of the alligator mechanics of a new twist on an old spin
Meeting Abstract 50.8 Jan. 6 Death roll of the alligator: mechanics of a new twist on an old spin FISH, F.E.*; BOSTIC, S.A.; NICASTRO, A.J.; BENESKI, J.T.; West Chester University; West Chester University; West Chester University; West Chester University ffish@wcupa.edu Crocodilians, including the alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), perform a spinning maneuver to subdue and dismember prey. The spinning […]
Three-dimensional kinematics of pectoral fin locomotion in freshwater stingrays
Meeting Abstract 50.2 Saturday, Jan. 5 Three-dimensional kinematics of pectoral fin locomotion in freshwater stingrays BLEVINS, E.L.*; LAUDER, G.V.; Harvard University; Harvard University eblevins@fas.harvard.edu Batoid swimming is characterized by distinctive undulations and oscillations of expanded, flexible pectoral fins. Previous work has described fin motion in two dimensions, placing species along a continuum from undulatory to oscillatory locomotion. […]
Strain patterns on an antenna are moth antennae tuned
Meeting Abstract 50.3 Saturday, Jan. 5 Strain patterns on an antenna: are moth antennae tuned? MYHRVOLD, C.A.*; FOX, J.L.; SANE, S.P.; DANIEL, T.L.; Princeton University; University of Washington; National Center for Biological Science, Bangalore, India; University of Washington jessfox@u.washington.edu Insects rely on mechanosensory feedback to maintain stable flight. For example, a recent study by Sane et al. […]
