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Strains in the exoskeleton of spiders

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Summary

This is a first attempt to measure strain in the exoskeleton of arthropods during locomotion. The selected sites of measurement at the tibia of large spiders allowed a direct estimation of the mechanical input of slit sense organs, which are biological strain receptors. This study includes (I) the development of techniques for measurement, (II) an anatomical and biomechanical investigation of the tibia-metatarsus joint of spiders, (III) the measurement of cuticular strains developed by external and internal forces in tethered theraphosids (Aviculariidae), and (IV) the measurement of strain in the legs of freely moving animals.

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  1. Reinhard Blickhan

    Present address: Harvard University Concord Field Station, Old Causeway Road, 01730, Bedford, MA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gruppe Sinnesphysiologie, Zoologisches Institut der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-UniversitÄt, Siesmayerstrasse 70, D-6000, Frankfurt am Main 1, Federal Republic of Germany

    Reinhard Blickhan & Friedrich G. Barth

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  1. Reinhard Blickhan
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Blickhan, R., Barth, F.G. Strains in the exoskeleton of spiders. J. Comp. Physiol. 157, 115–147 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00611101

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