Abstract
The coordination of adult stick insects walking on a light double wheel system with a fixed axle is examined as a function of friction loads applied to the wheels. Four parameters are influenced by loads parallel to the body axis in the range 0.08–1.0 p. Protraction duration at low stepping frequency falls to a value equal to that used in high speed walking and is therefore independent of step period for loads >0.4p. Above 0.4p the step period is significantly increased producing coordination patterns similar to those reported for free walking mature adults. Both the anterior (AEP) and posterior (PEP) extreme positions move forward with increasing load for all legs.
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Foth, E., Graham, D. Influence of loading parallel to the body axis on the walking coordination of an insect. Biol. Cybern. 47, 17–23 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00340065
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00340065