Figure 2.

Instantaneous traction stress patterns applied by S. mansoni suckers in an unconfined environment. (a–c) Inward, outward and rotational patterns induced by the ventral sucker alone. (d–f) Inward, outward and rotational patterns induced by the oral sucker alone. (g) Contractile traction stress pattern applied by coordination of the oral and ventral suckers. (h) Expanding traction stress pattern applied by coordination of the oral and ventral suckers. The arrows and colour map indicate the direction and magnitude of the traction stress vector, and have been superimposed on the bright field images. Scale bar = 1 mm. (Online version in colour.)