What makes bugs stick to walls

Paul is a behavioral ecologist in the department of biology and physics at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. He responds: "Numerous insects, such as common houseflies, as well as certain amphibians and reptiles tree frogs and geckos, for example , are able to walk on and cling to seemingly smooth surfaces--including glass doors and windows.

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This keeps the insect tethered to the surface. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use. Pulvilli or Arolia Flies have two footpads on each foot that are covered with a perpetual adhesive made by the fly's foot itself. Setae The foot pads are covered with tiny hairs that have flattened, hollow tips.

Two Large Claws Each foot has a pair of large claws the fly uses to remove his feet from the wall or ceiling, enabling him to walk even though his feet are stuck to the surface. Tiny Hairs on Foot Insect feet often have microscopic bristle-like hairs, that are stiff enough to find the small inconsistencies in surfaces.

References Foxnews. Scholarpedia: Neuroethology of Insect Walking. The combination of the feet hairs' rounded tips, the oily fluid, and a four-feet-on-the-floor rule help the inverted insect take steps in the right direction.

Gorb's research team worked with a robotics group from Case Western Reserve University to design robotic feet that mimic a fly's footing. On the bottom of the feet of a 3-ounce robot that's all legs, scientists tacked on a sticky, furry manmade material that resembles the hairy surface of a fly foot.

The researchers also taught the robot how to gently peel its foot off a glass wall, just like a demure insect. Live Science. Corey Binns.