Gecko foot hairs (Tarentola mauritanica) Science Image

Ref: 80200731



Gecko foot hairs. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of hairs, or setae, on the foot of a young gecko lizard (Tarentola mauritanica). These hairs enable the gecko to cling to smooth surfaces by taking advantage of weak intermolecular forces, known as Van der Waals forces. Magnification: x3400 when printed 10 centimetres wide.