Tail Control Enhances Gliding in Arboreal Lizards: An Integrative Study Using a 3D Geometric Model and Numerical Simulation

Abstract The ability to glide through an arboreal habitat has been acquired by several mammals, amphibians, snakes, lizards, and even invertebrates. Lizards of the genus Draco possess specialized morphological structures for gliding, including a patagium, throat lappets, modified hindlimbs. Despite being among most reptilian gliders, it is currently unknown how able maneuver effectively during flight. Here, we present new computational method characterizing role tail control on distance stability. We first modeled flight dynamics as function gravitational, lift, drag forces. Lift estimates were derived from wind tunnel experiments 3D printed models based photos gliding. Initial modeling leveraged known mass planar surface area estimate lift coefficients. developed simplified, simulation calculating longitudinal lateral position pitch angle lizard with respect cartesian coordinate frame. used PID model lizards’ adjustment maintain attack. Our suggests active improves both stability in Draco. These results provide insight toward biomechanics Draco; however, future vivo studies are needed complete picture gliding mechanics this genus. approach enables replication modification existing gliders better understand their performance mechanics. This can be applied extinct species, but also way exploring biomimetic potential different features.