2. Eyes and Feet

Eyes and Feet

...because they're neat.
Read More
Turnip-tailed gecko (<i>Thecadactylus rapicauda</i>) Crazy geckos, how do they do that, walk on glass and other smooth surfaces? The answer: lamellae- thin plate-like folds under the toes. Well, sort of... The full answer involves lamellae covered in setae (microscopic hairs), covered in spatulae (even smaller microscopic hairs) mixed in with a little electrodynamic force, dry adhesion, and a billion molecular bonds. It's a bit much for a photo caption to explain, but it's basically a case of greatly increased surface area and mother nature magic. With so much wonder to explore in our natural world, it amazes me how reality TV shows can remain popular...
6 / 19

Turnip-tailed gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) Crazy geckos, how do they do that, walk on glass and other smooth surfaces? The answer: lamellae- thin plate-like folds under the toes. Well, sort of... The full answer involves lamellae covered in setae (microscopic hairs), covered in spatulae (even smaller microscopic hairs) mixed in with a little electrodynamic force, dry adhesion, and a billion molecular bonds. It's a bit much for a photo caption to explain, but it's basically a case of greatly increased surface area and mother nature magic. With so much wonder to explore in our natural world, it amazes me how reality TV shows can remain popular...

Thecadactylus rapicaudaturnip tailed geckocano palma biological stationcosta ricacotercsetaelamellaespatulaeclimbingsmoothstickytoe padsrainforestdonHerpsherpingherp photographynikon D7000nikon wildlifenikon macroRainforestrainforest herpstropical herpswhite background

  • This eye belongs to the huge Gladiator Treefrog (<i>Hypsiboas boans</i>)
  • You say nictitating membrane, I say confetti eyelids... Rufous-eyed stream frog (<i>Duellmanohyla rufioculis</i>)
  • The eye of a Silver-throated Tanager (<i>Tangara icterocephala</i>) from the Rara Avis Rainforest Reserve, Costa Rica
  • Pitbull katydid
  • The amount of yellow in the eye of this Gray-eyed Leaf Frog (<i>Cruziohyla calcarifer</i>) varies throughout the day.
  • Turnip-tailed gecko (<i>Thecadactylus rapicauda</i>) Crazy geckos, how do they do that, walk on glass and other smooth surfaces? The answer: lamellae- thin plate-like folds under the toes. Well, sort of... The full answer involves lamellae covered in setae (microscopic hairs), covered in spatulae (even smaller microscopic hairs) mixed in with a little electrodynamic force, dry adhesion, and a billion molecular bonds. It's a bit much for a photo caption to explain, but it's basically a case of greatly increased surface area and mother nature magic. With so much wonder to explore in our natural world, it amazes me how reality TV shows can remain popular...
  • This approx. one inch long Scarlet-webbed treefrog (Hypsiboas rufitela) is on the verge of losing its cream and red stripes that are often seen on juveniles of this species. Soon after the stripes have disappeared, the name-sake scarlet will start to develop on the webbing between the fingers and toes.
  • Yellow Blunt-headed Vine Snake (<i>Imantodes inornatus</i>) Cano Palma Biological Station, Costa Rica
  • Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
  • Ghost Glassfrog (<I>Sachatamia ilex </i>)
  • Dwarf Glassfrog (<i>Teratohyla spinosa</i>) from the Rara Avis Rainforest Reserve, Costa Rica
  • The eye of an Emerald Glassfrog (<I>Espadarana prosoblepon<I/>)
  • Of the three species of frogs in this group, <i>Craugastor mimus</i> is the only one that displays this much toe webbing.
  • A real life dragon
  • Resting on a reed, Green Treefrog (<i>Hyla cinera</i>)
  • American alligator<br /> Everglades National Park, Florida
  • <I>Sachatamia albomaculata</i> Any thoughts on a caption?
  • Anhinga (<i>Anhinga anhinga</i>) feet Everglades National Park, Florida
  • American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
  • No Comments
  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2023 SmugMug, Inc.