Adhesion of cypris larvae of the barnacle,Balanus balanoides, to clean and arthropodin treated surfaces

Measurements were made of the strength of temporary attachment of the cypris larvae of Balanus balanoides using a sensitive micro-balance. The strength of adhesion on arthropodin treated slate panels exceeded that on clean panels and the measured forces increased as the season progressed. The observed maximum cyprid attachment strength reached 3·8 × 10 5 N m −2 , considerably less than the bond strength of a commercial epoxy adhesive (10 7 N m −2 ) but of the same order as the force required to remove limpets ( Patella ) from a slate substrate. The results are discussed in the context of substrate recognition by barnacle cyprids and the possible mechanisms of adhesion involved.