Variation in claw morphology among the digits of Bent-toed geckos (Cyrtodactylus: Gekkota: Gekkonidae).

Background: Ecomorphological studies of lizards have increasingly employed comparison of claw morphology among species in relation to spatial niche use. Typically, such studies focus on digit IV of the autopodia, especially the pes. Uniformity of claw morphology among digits is more often implicitly assumed than tested.

The role of ecdysis in repair of an attachment system: a case study using geckos.

Skin provides functions such as protection and prevention of water loss. In some taxa, the outer surface of skin has been modified to form structures that enable attachment to various surfaces. Constant interaction with surfaces is likely to cause damage to these attachment systems and reduce function.

Variation in density, but not morphology, of cutaneous sensilla among body regions in nine species of Australian geckos.

Skin sense organs, cutaneous sensilla, are a well-known feature of the integument of squamate reptiles and particularly geckos. They vary widely in morphology among species and are thought to be mechanosensitive, associated with prey capture and handling, tail autotomy and placement of the adhesive toepads in pad-bearing species. Some authors suggest that they may also sense abiotic environmental features, such as temperature or humidity.

Geckos cling best to, and prefer to use, rough surfaces.

Background: Fitness is strongly related to locomotor performance, which can determine success in foraging, mating, and other critical activities. Locomotor performance on different substrates is likely to require different abilities, so we expect alignment between species' locomotor performance and the habitats they use in nature. In addition, we expect behaviour to enhance performance, such that animals will use substrates on which they perform well.

Skin hydrophobicity as an adaptation for self-cleaning in geckos.

Hydrophobicity is common in plants and animals, typically caused by high relief microtexture functioning to keep the surface clean. Although the occurrence and physical causes of hydrophobicity are well understood, ecological factors promoting its evolution are unclear. Geckos have highly hydrophobic integuments.

Nonlinear variation in clinging performance with surface roughness in geckos.

Understanding the challenges faced by organisms moving within their environment is essential to comprehending the evolution of locomotor morphology and habitat use. Geckos have developed adhesive toe pads that enable exploitation of a wide range of microhabitats. These toe pads, and their adhesive mechanisms, have typically been studied using a range of artificial substrates, usually significantly smoother than those available in nature.

Microornamentation of leaf chameleons (Chamaeleonidae: Brookesia, Rhampholeon, and Rieppeleon)--with comments on the evolution of microstructures in the Chamaeleonidae.

Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae) feature many adaptations to their arboreal lifestyle, including zygodactylous feet, a prehensile tail, and epidermal microstructures. In arboreal tree chameleons, the substrate-contacting site of the feet and tail is covered by microscopic hair-like structures (setae) of 6-20 µm length. Their friction enhancing function has been shown in recent studies.