David Labonte

Breaking rules at small scales: ecological and biomechanical diversity in ant terrestrial locomotion

This paper synthesizes research on ant locomotion, showing that body size explains much of locomotor performance variation but other factors also contribute to diversity in movement strategies.

Nanomechanics of Mandible Wear in Insects

This study investigates the nanomechanical properties of insect mandibles, finding that wear resistance is not simply related to hardness or load, and suggesting limitations in current wear models.

Evolutionary biomechanics of maximum running speed in spiders (Araneae)

This study examines how body size, ancestry, and leg morphology influence maximum running speed in spiders across 258 species.

The form and function of a multi-functional weapon system in male and female burying beetles (Nicrophorus vespilloides)

The paper examines the form and function of a weapon system in burying beetles, showing sexual dimorphism in mandibles and head width, but similar combat effectiveness between sexes.

The allometry of discontinuous gas exchange cycles in Atta cephalotes leaf-cutter ants

The paper examines the static allometry of discontinuous gas exchange cycles in Atta cephalotes leaf-cutter ants, finding that SMR allometry deviates from standard predictions due to increased burst volume.

Claws that snap: the raptorial mechanism of dryinid wasps

This paper describes the raptorial mechanism of dryinid wasps, showing their claws function as snap traps triggered by prey contact, and explores the evolutionary development of this mechanism.

Mechanical properties of the unguitractor apodeme of sunny stick insects, Sungaya aeta (Phasmatodea: Heteropterygidae)

The paper measures the mechanical properties of the unguitractor apodeme in stick insects and compares them to vertebrate tendons, finding similar functional benefits despite differences in modulus and shape.

Behavioural biomechanics: leaf-cutter ant cutting behaviour depends on leaf edge geometry

This study shows leaf-cutter ants use different cutting strategies based on leaf edge geometry, with scissor-cutting preferred for wide notches and knife-cutting for narrow ones, due to mechanical challenges.

Optimising the flow of mechanical energy in musculoskeletal systems through gearing

This paper analyzes how mechanical advantage affects energy flow in musculoskeletal systems and identifies optimal gearing for efficient energy delivery.

WOLO: Wilson Only Looks Once - Estimating ant body mass from reference-free images using deep convolutional neural networks

This paper develops WOLO, a deep learning model that estimates ant body mass from reference-free images, achieving accuracy comparable to humans and significantly faster.

Developmental biomechanics and age polyethism in leaf-cutter ants

This study investigates the biomechanical development in leaf-cutter ants, finding that increased bite force and head capsule rigidity in older workers may underlie age polyethism.

Chemical-microstructural-nanomechanical variations in the structural units of the cuttlebone of Sepia officinalis

This study examines structural, chemical, and mechanical variations in the cuttlebone of Sepia officinalis, revealing how different layers and structures contribute to its strength and buoyancy.