How speed of separation affects suction adhesion of the limpet, Lottia scutum

Abstract

The intertidal limpet, Lottia scutum, is a key grazer keeping algal levels in check. Because limpets rely heavily on suction to prevent dislodgment during foraging, it is important to understand the tenacity of suction adhesion. Through use of a clamping measurement apparatus, underwater limpet tenacity was measured at various pulling speeds to quantify the speed and force required for limpet dislodgement. The purpose of this measurement was to determine the maximum tenacity that a limpet can achieve at varying pulling speeds. Instead of seeing one speed at which tenacity was maximized, I saw a trend of increasing tenacity over time. There was no effect of speed of separation on suction attachment. Stefan adhesion does not play a large, at least under my experimental conditions.