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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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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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00611101