Flies remain attached to walls using adhesive pads and capillary forces
Flies and other insects utilize specialized adhesive pads coupled with secreted fluids to maintain attachment to surfaces through capillary and viscous forces.
The claim is specific and empirical, dealing with insect biomechanics. Retrieved papers confirm that insects use adhesive pads (such as the arolium and euplantulae) combined with secreted fluids to generate capillary and adhesive forces for surface attachment. Therefore, the evidence clearly supports the claim.
Dirks JH, Federle W. Mechanisms of fluid production in smooth adhesive pads of insects.. 2011. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2010.0575
Demonstrates that insect adhesion is mediated by thin fluid films secreted into the contact zone that generate capillary and adhesive forces.
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Thomas J, Gorb SN, Büscher TH. Characterization of Morphologically Distinct Components in the Tarsal Secretion of <i>Medauroidea extradentata</i> (Phasmatodea) Using Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy.. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8050439
Shows that tarsal secretions contribute to wet adhesion by generating capillary and viscous forces.
Thomas J, Gorb SN, Schmitt T, Büscher TH, Kárpáti Z. Cuticular Hydrocarbon Composition of Adhesive Secretions from Functionally Different Attachment Pads of the Stick Insect Medauroidea extradentata (Phasmatodea).. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-026-01713-7
Explains that insect adhesive pad secretions are enriched with compounds that enhance fluidity and capillary forces to facilitate attachment.
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