The absence of a significant direction dependence on smooth and 1- μm high microstructured surfaces suggests the effect of interlocking is masked by the stronger influence of adhesion on friction, which acts equally in both directions. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed that these ridges are anisotropic, with steep slopes facing distally and shallow slopes proximally. This specific direction dependence is explained by the interlocking of the microstructures with nanometre- sized “friction ridges” on the euplantulae. In contrast, on 4- μm high microstructured substrates, where pads made contact only to the top of the microstructures, shear stress was maximal during a push. Despite this biological function, shear stress (force per unit area) measurements in immobilized pads showed no significant difference between pushing and pulling on smooth surfaces and on 1- μm high microstructured substrates, where pads made full contact. These pads are mainly used for generating pushing forces away from the body. Here we use transparent, microstructured surfaces to investigate the performance of tarsal euplantulae in cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea). The contact of adhesive structures to rough surfaces has been difficult to investigate as rough surfaces are usually irregular and opaque. Friction ridges in cockroach climbing pads: anisotropy of shear stress measured on transparent, microstructured substrates.
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