Gravity defying "Feets"

One of the things I've enjoyed the most since Gordo and Guapo have arrived is watching Guapo climb the side of the habitat. I've captured Guapo's gravity defying feat on video that really shows their amazing feet anatomy. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (MHC) have special pads on their feet that enable them to climb very smooth surfaces such as the side of the terrarium. Note also the sharp spines on the tibia. When I've held Guapo, it feels like he is stuck to me and I can feel the prickly spines as well. 

Guapo demonstrates gravity defying "feets".

Filming Guapo through the terrarium while he climbs offers a unique view of his ventral surface as well. you can see the soft connective tissue where his legs attach to his abdomen. Like all insects, MHC have 3 pairs of legs. The portion closest to the body is the femur. The middle portion is the tibia while the "feet" are tarsi. While the names of these anatomical structures are similar to humans, they move very differently than our legs! Watch how Guapo walks along the wall! Can you replicate his movements? Which leg moves first? How do they bend?

Another interesting observation is Guapo's head. His antenna are always moving - sensing his environment and collecting information. The smaller structures that are constantly moving are the maxillary palps. They help bring food to the mandible or jaw. In the second video, it appears as if he gets something on his tarsi and he pulls it off with his maxillary palps and eats it! If so, the substance is probably the vaseline that I smeared at the top of the terrarium to prevent his escape!  Just an extra precaution in case the lid is not put on tight!

All living creatures must be able to move as well as  sense and respond to their environment. Each creature is perfectly equipped to accomplish these tasks in their habitat. Amazing gravity defying feat with special feet that make this climbing possible! Fascinating!