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Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects
Published on: April 13, 2011
Giant steps: adhesion and locomotion in theraphosid tarantulas
Valentina Silva1,2, Carlo Biancardi2, Carlos Perafán3
1Departamento de Educación Física y Salud, Instituto Superior de Educación Física, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, UDELAR, Florida 1065, 60000, Paysandú, Uruguay.
Abstract:
Theraphosid tarantulas are large spiders that bear dense hairy adhesive pads on the distal parts of their legs: scopula and claw tufts. These structures allow them to climb on vertical smooth surfaces and contribute to prey capture. While adult females and juveniles remain most of the time in their burrows, adult males actively walk searching for females during the reproductive period. Adhesion and locomotion thus play important roles in the ecology and reproduction of these animals. In this paper, we review the current state of the knowledge on adhesion and locomotion in tarantulas, focusing on functional and evolutionary morphology.
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