How Do Insects Climb Up Walls?

Ants and other insects have the amazing ability to climb up vertical walls, even if they are smooth. These animals range from ants to spiders to Spiderman himself. But how do they achieve this incredible feat?

Think of it as rock-climbing. When a person climbs a mountain, they place their hands and feet in the gaps of the rock to cling on to it. 

As they climb, they find new gaps and ridges to hold on to. Insects act very similarly. Their feet are lined with tiny, microscopic hair. All surfaces (even smooth surfaces like glass) have microscopic fissures and bumps. 

These microscopic hairs act like our hands and feet, and help the insect climb or stand vertically on a wall.