Other examples of Sugar Glider mimicry

Biomimicry, as a term within bio-inspired design, has its roots in biomimetic and bionics. An early use of the term appeared in a chemistry dissertation in 1982. More recently, Benyus defines biomimicry as a “…science that studies nature’s models and then imitates or takes inspiration from these designs and processes to solve human problems”. Benyus and colleagues developed taxonomies, methodologies.

They use their ability to glide to move from tree to tree, but sugar is not the only part of a Sugar Gliders diet. They are nocturnal animals that prey on larva and small insects, but Sugar Gliders also have many predators such as owls, foxes, cats and dogs. Therefore, we can conclude that the ability to glide is used both for predatory purpose and as a defence mechanism.

Other example of sugar glider biomimicry is in miniature robotics. The ability of sugar glider to effectively leap and glide far distance has inspired this application.

To glide effectively, a Sugar Glider will generate power by thrusting its hind legs off a tall tree and spread its limbs to reveal the patagium or membrane connected to each of the limbs. This allows it to generate enough lift force to keep it going. The most interesting was about the way Sugar Gliders land. When about 3 meters away from its target, the Sugar Glider brings its hind legs up close to the body and swoops upwards to make contact with all four limbs.