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Aerial maneuvering by plethodontid salamanders spanning an arboreality gradient
Christian E Brown1, Erik A Sathe2, Robert Dudley2
1Department of Integrative Biology, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Science Center 110, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|September 16, 2022
Summary
Arboreal salamanders, like Aneides vagrans, use their limbs and tails to control falls from trees, demonstrating unique aerial behaviors. This study reveals how canopy-dwelling salamanders achieve controlled descents without specialized aerodynamic surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Biomechanics
- Ecology
Background:
- Wandering salamanders (Aneides vagrans) live in high tree canopies, utilizing epiphytic fern mats.
- These arboreal salamanders can jump from canopy heights and control their descent using limb and tail adjustments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the aerial behavior and performance of Aneides vagrans and other plethodontid salamanders.
- To correlate aerial kinematics with arboreal habitat gradients.
Main Methods:
- Recorded salamander falls from short heights.
- Observed salamander movement in a vertical wind tunnel.
- Analyzed kinematic performance across different arboreal species.
Main Results:
- Aerial behavior correlated with arboreal habitat specialization.
- Salamanders from arboreal niches showed better descent control (slowing and redirection).
- Aneides vagrans and Aneides lugubris exhibited parachuting and gliding behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Arboreal salamanders' long limbs and tails aid in controlled aerial descent (parachuting and gliding).
- These adaptations, often linked to climbing, also facilitate survival during falls.
- Further research is needed on other canopy dwellers lacking obvious aerodynamic surfaces.
