Patterns of load distribution among the legs in small water striders during standing and striding

Water striders (Gerris argentatus) move across the water surface by taking advantage of tension, which supports their bodyweight without breaking. During locomotion, midlegs are primarily responsible for generating thrust, whereas other legs support body. Although aspects standing and locomotion on well understood, relatively fewer studies concerned coordinated biomechanical movements legs. In order to maintain buoyancy body surface, leg positions must be adjusted distribute appropriately. The present study investigates distribution in small striders. We aimed understand how loading changes during sculling that leads sliding surface. assistance all at every moment enables its floating striding. can achieve a gentle striding through driving phase association with smooth load shifting among legs, positioned specific configuration insect