ArticleCommunications biology2021
Tails stabilize landing of gliding geckos crashing head-first into tree trunks.
Article in Communications biology, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 15 papers.
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Who cites it
15 citing papers in PubMed.
- Comparative gliding performance of Anolis lizards among three Caribbean ecomorphs.BMC ecology and evolution · 2026Article
- Machine learning-based framework for wall-perching prediction of flying robot.Nature communications · 2025Article
- Resourcefulness, Robustness, and Recovery: Tail Use during Climbing in Rats.Integrative and comparative biology · 2025Article
- Forelimb motion and reciprocation mediate aerodynamic control in a gliding lizard.BMC ecology and evolution · 2025Article
- Scaly-tail organ enhances static stability during Pel's scaly-tailed flying squirrels' arboreal locomotion.Journal of the Royal Society, Interface · 2025Article
- Role of Tail Dynamics on the Climbing Performance of Gecko-Inspired Robots: A Simulation and Experimental Study.Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- Putting a new spin on insect jumping performance using 3D modeling and computer simulations of spotted lanternfly nymphs.The Journal of experimental biology · 2023Article
- Metamorphic aerial robot capable of mid-air shape morphing for rapid perching.Scientific reports · 2023Article
- Bioinspired robots can foster nature conservation.Frontiers in robotics and AI · 2023Article
- A Neural Coordination Strategy for Attachment and Detachment of a Climbing Robot Inspired by Gecko Locomotion.Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.) · 2023Article
- Directional takeoff, aerial righting, and adhesion landing of semiaquatic springtails.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · 2022Article
- The Roles and Comparison of Rigid and Soft Tails in Gecko-Inspired Climbing Robots: A Mini-Review.Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology · 2022Review
- Body Caudal Undulation Measured by Soft Sensors and Emulated by Soft Artificial Muscles.Integrative and comparative biology · 2021Article
- Tails stabilize landing of gliding geckos crashing head-first into tree trunks.Communications biology · 2021Article
- Undulatory Swimming Performance Explored With a Biorobotic Fish and Measured by Soft Sensors and Particle Image Velocimetry.Frontiers in robotics and AI · 2021Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Animals use diverse solutions to land on vertical surfaces. Here we show the unique landing of the gliding gecko, Hemidactylus platyurus. Our high-speed video footage in the Southeast Asian rainforest capturing the first recorded, subcritical, short-range glides revealed that geckos did not markedly decrease velocity prior to impact. Unlike specialized gliders, geckos crashed head-first with the tree trunk at 6.0 ± 0.9 m/s (~140 body lengths per second) followed by an enormous pitchback of their head and torso 103 ± 34° away from the tree trunk anchored by only their hind limbs and tail. A dynamic mathematical model pointed to the utility of tails for the fall arresting response (FAR) upon landing. We tested predictions by measuring foot forces during landing of a soft, robotic physical model with an active tail reflex triggered by forefoot contact. As in wild animals, greater landing success was found for tailed robots. Experiments showed that longer tails with an active tail reflex resulted in the lower adhesive foot forces necessary for stabilizing successful landings, with a tail shortened to 25% requiring over twice the adhesive foot force.
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