1
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Hopfe C, Ospina-Jara B, Schulze T, Tischer M, Morales D, Reinhartz V, Esfahani RE, Valderrama C, Pérez-Rigueiro J, Bleidorn C, Feldhaar H, Cabra-García J, Scheibel T. Impact of environmental factors on spider silk properties. Curr Biol 2024; 34:56-67.e5. [PMID: 38118450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Spider orb webs have evolved to stop flying prey, fast and slow alike. One of the main web elements dissipating impact energy is the radial fibers, or major ampullate silks, which possess a toughness surpassing most man-made materials. Orb webs are extended phenotypes, and as such their architectural elements, including major ampullate silks, have been selected to optimize prey capture under the respective environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the correlation of three landscape scales and three microhabitat characteristics with intrinsic silk properties (elastic modulus, yield stress, tensile strength, extensibility, and toughness) to understand underlying ecological patterns. For this purpose, we collected and mechanically tested major ampullate silks from 50 spider species inhabiting large altitudinal and climatic gradients in Colombia. Using regression analysis and model selection, we investigated the environmental drivers of inter- and intra-specific patterns of major ampullate silk properties, taking into account phylogenetic relatedness based on newly sequenced mitochondrial genomes. We found that the total amount of energy absorbed, i.e., toughness and tensile strength, is higher for fibers from species inhabiting regions where heavy rainfall is common. Interestingly, we observe the same general trend between individuals of the same species, stressing the importance of this environmental driver. We also observe a phylogenetic conservation in the relation of environmental variables with silk tensile strength and yield stress. In conclusion, the increase in major ampullate silk tensile strength and toughness may reflect an adaptation to prevent frequent rain damage to orb webs and the associated energetic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Hopfe
- Department of Biomaterials, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, Bayreuth 95447, Germany.
| | - Bryan Ospina-Jara
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cl. 13 #100-00, Cali 760042, Colombia
| | - Thilo Schulze
- Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Marta Tischer
- Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Diego Morales
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cl. 13 #100-00, Cali 760042, Colombia
| | - Vivien Reinhartz
- Department of Biomaterials, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, Bayreuth 95447, Germany
| | - Rashin Eshghi Esfahani
- Department of Biomaterials, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, Bayreuth 95447, Germany
| | - Carlos Valderrama
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Rosario, Cl. 12c #6-25, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - José Pérez-Rigueiro
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Crta. M40, Madrid 28223, Spain; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/Prof. Aranguren 3, Madrid 28040, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid 28029, Spain; Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), C/ Prof. Martín Lagos s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Christoph Bleidorn
- Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Heike Feldhaar
- Department of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - Jimmy Cabra-García
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cl. 13 #100-00, Cali 760042, Colombia
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Department of Biomaterials, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, Bayreuth 95447, Germany; Bayreuther Zentrum für Kolloide und Grenzflächen, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany; Bayreuther Materialzentrum, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany; Bayreuther Zentrum für Molekulare Biowissenschaften, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany; Bayrisches Polymerinstitut, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany.
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2
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Arguelles J, Baker RH, Perez-Rigueiro J, Guinea GV, Elices M, Hayashi CY. Relating spidroin motif prevalence and periodicity to the mechanical properties of major ampullate spider silks. J Comp Physiol B 2023; 193:25-36. [PMID: 36342510 PMCID: PMC9852138 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-022-01464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spider dragline fibers exhibit incredible mechanical properties, outperforming many synthetic polymers in toughness assays, and possess desirable properties for medical and other human applications. These qualities make dragline fibers popular subjects for biomimetics research. The enormous diversity of spiders presents both an opportunity for the development of new bioinspired materials and a challenge for the identification of fundamental design principles, as the mechanical properties of dragline fibers show both intraspecific and interspecific variations. In this regard, the stress-strain curves of draglines from different species have been shown to be effectively compared by the α* parameter, a value derived from maximum-supercontracted silk fibers. To identify potential molecular mechanisms impacting α* values, here we analyze spider fibroin (spidroin) sequences of the Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) and the black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia). This study serves as a primer for investigating the molecular properties of spidroins that underlie species-specific α* values. Initial findings are that while overall motif composition was similar between species, certain motifs and higher level periodicities of glycine-rich region lengths showed variation, notably greater distances between poly-A motifs in A. aurantia sequences. In addition to increased period lengths, A. aurantia spidroins tended to have an increased prevalence of charged and hydrophobic residues. These increases may impact the number and strength of hydrogen bond networks within fibers, which have been implicated in conformational changes and formation of nanocrystals, contributing to the greater extensibility of A. aurantia draglines compared to those of L. hesperus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Arguelles
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology and Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024 USA
| | - Richard H. Baker
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology and Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024 USA
| | - Jose Perez-Rigueiro
- Center for Biomedical Engineering (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain ,Centro de Investigatión Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain ,Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Peurtos, 28040 Madrid, Spain ,Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Calle Prof. Martín Lagos s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo V. Guinea
- Center for Biomedical Engineering (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain ,Centro de Investigatión Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain ,Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Peurtos, 28040 Madrid, Spain ,Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Calle Prof. Martín Lagos s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Elices
- Centro de Investigatión Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cheryl Y. Hayashi
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology and Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024 USA
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3
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Miller J, Zimin AV, Gordus A. Chromosome-level genome and the identification of sex chromosomes in Uloborus diversus. Gigascience 2022; 12:giad002. [PMID: 36762707 PMCID: PMC9912274 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The orb web is a remarkable example of animal architecture that is observed in families of spiders that diverged over 200 million years ago. While several genomes exist for araneid orb-weavers, none exist for other orb-weaving families, hampering efforts to investigate the genetic basis of this complex behavior. Here we present a chromosome-level genome assembly for the cribellate orb-weaving spider Uloborus diversus. The assembly reinforces evidence of an ancient arachnid genome duplication and identifies complete open reading frames for every class of spidroin gene, which encode the proteins that are the key structural components of spider silks. We identified the 2 X chromosomes for U. diversus and identify candidate sex-determining loci. This chromosome-level assembly will be a valuable resource for evolutionary research into the origins of orb-weaving, spidroin evolution, chromosomal rearrangement, and chromosomal sex determination in spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah Miller
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Aleksey V Zimin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Andrew Gordus
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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4
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Melrose J. High Performance Marine and Terrestrial Bioadhesives and the Biomedical Applications They Have Inspired. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248982. [PMID: 36558114 PMCID: PMC9783952 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study has reviewed the naturally occurring bioadhesives produced in marine and freshwater aqueous environments and in the mucinous exudates of some terrestrial animals which have remarkable properties providing adhesion under difficult environmental conditions. These bioadhesives have inspired the development of medical bioadhesives with impressive properties that provide an effective alternative to suturing surgical wounds improving closure and healing of wounds in technically demanding tissues such as the heart, lung and soft tissues like the brain and intestinal mucosa. The Gecko has developed a dry-adhesive system of exceptional performance and has inspired the development of new generation re-usable tapes applicable to many medical procedures. The silk of spider webs has been equally inspiring to structural engineers and materials scientists and has revealed innovative properties which have led to new generation technologies in photonics, phononics and micro-electronics in the development of wearable biosensors. Man made products designed to emulate the performance of these natural bioadhesive molecules are improving wound closure and healing of problematic lesions such as diabetic foot ulcers which are notoriously painful and have also found application in many other areas in biomedicine. Armed with information on the mechanistic properties of these impressive biomolecules major advances are expected in biomedicine, micro-electronics, photonics, materials science, artificial intelligence and robotics technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia;
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern Campus, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
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5
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Zhang J, Yuan Q, Jiang Y, Pang H, Rajabi H, Wu Z, Wu J. Elytra coupling of the ladybird Coccinella septempunctatafunctions as an energy absorber in intentional falls. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2021; 16:056018. [PMID: 34384068 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac1cef] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Some insects, such as bees, wasps, and bugs, have specialized coupling structures to synchronize the wing motions in flight. Some others, such as ladybirds, are equipped with coupling structures that work only at rest. By locking elytra into each other, such structures provide hindwings with a protective cover to prevent contamination. Here, we show that the coupling may play another significant role: contributing to energy absorption in falls, thereby protecting the abdomen against mechanical damage. In this combined experimental, numerical and theoretical study, we investigated free falls of ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata), and discovered that upon collision to the ground, the coupling may fail and the elytra may unlock. This unlocking of the coupling increased the energy absorption by 33%, in comparison to when the elytra remain coupled. Using micro-computed tomography scanning, we developed comparative models that enabled us to simulate impact scenarios numerically. Our results showed that unlocking of the coupling, here called elytra splitting, reduces both the peak impact force and rebound velocity. We fabricated the insect-inspired coupling mechanism using 3D printing and demonstrated its application as a damage preventing on system for quadcopters in accidental collisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiufeng Yuan
- School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiling Jiang
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Pang
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Hamed Rajabi
- Division of Mechanical Engineering and Design, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zhigang Wu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianing Wu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
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6
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Chen J, Ohta Y, Nakamura H, Masunaga H, Numata K. Aqueous spinning system with a citrate buffer for highly extensible silk fibers. Polym J 2020. [DOI: 10.1038/s41428-020-00419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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7
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Guo Y, Chang Z, Guo HY, Fang W, Li Q, Zhao HP, Feng XQ, Gao H. Synergistic adhesion mechanisms of spider capture silk. J R Soc Interface 2019. [PMID: 29514984 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that capture silk, the main sticky component of the orb web of a spider, plays an important role in the spider's ability to capture prey via adhesion. However, the detailed mechanism with which the spider achieves its unparalleled high-adhesion performance remains elusive. In this work, we combine experiments and theoretical analysis to investigate the adhesion mechanisms of spider silk. In addition to the widely recognized adhesion effect of the sticky glue, we reveal a synergistic enhancement mechanism due to the elasticity of silk fibres. A balance between silk stiffness, strength and glue stickiness is crucial to endow the silk with superior adhesion, as well as outstanding energy absorption capacity and structural robustness. The revealed mechanisms deepen our understanding of the working principles of spider silk and suggest guidelines for biomimetic designs of spider-inspired adhesion and capture devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guo
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Chang
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Yuan Guo
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Fang
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Qunyang Li
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhao
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Qiao Feng
- AML, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China .,State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajian Gao
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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8
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Orb-web spiders as Bayesian learners. Naturwissenschaften 2019; 106:22. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-019-1615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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9
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Blamires SJ, Sellers WI. Modelling temperature and humidity effects on web performance: implications for predicting orb-web spider ( Argiope spp.) foraging under Australian climate change scenarios. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz083. [PMID: 31832193 PMCID: PMC6899225 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic features extending beyond the body, or EPs, may vary plastically across environments. EP constructs, such as spider webs, vary in property across environments as a result of changes to the physiology of the animal or interactions between the environment and the integrity of the material from which the EP is manufactured. Due to the complexity of the interactions between EP constructs and the environment, the impact of climate change on EP functional integrity is poorly understood. Here we used a dynamic model to assess how temperature and humidity influence spider web major ampullate (MA) silk properties. MA silk is the silk that absorbs the impact of prey striking the web, hence our model provides a useful interpretation of web performance over the temperature (i.e. 20-55°C) and humidity (i.e. 15-100%) ranges assessed. Our results showed that extremely high or low humidity had direct negative effects on web capture performance, with changes in temperature likely having indirect effects. Undeniably, the effect of temperature on web architecture and its interactive effect with humidity on web tension and capture thread stickiness need to be factored into any further predictions of plausible climate change impacts. Since our study is the first to model plasticity in an EP construct's functionality and to extrapolate the results to predict climate change impacts, it stands as a template for future studies that endeavour to make predictions about the influence of climate change on animal EPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Blamires
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Corresponding author: School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales NSW 2052 Australia.
| | - W I Sellers
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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10
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Blamires SJ, Martens PJ, Kasumovic MM. Fitness consequences of plasticity in an extended phenotype. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.167288. [PMID: 29361580 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.167288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Like regular phenotypes, extended phenotypes have demonstrable fitness advantages and their properties may vary plastically across environments. However, the fitness advantages of plasticity are only known for a select few extended phenotypes. It is known that the form and functions of spider orb webs can be manipulated by laboratory experiments. For instance, the physical and chemical properties of the spiral and gluey silks vary in property as protein intake varies. Orb web spiders thus represent good models for extended phenotypic plasticity studies. We performed experiments manipulating the protein intake of two vertically aligned orb web building spiders to determine whether variations in the chemical and physical properties of their spiral and gluey silk affect prey retention in their webs. We found in both spider species that individuals deprived of protein had a greater gluey silk glycoprotein core volume, and this correlated strongly with spiral thread stickiness and increased prey retention by the webs. Moreover, we found strong positive correlations between glue droplet volume and glycoprotein core volume for spiders in the protein-deprived treatment, but weaker correlations for protein-fed spiders. We interpreted these findings as the spiders investing more in glycoprotein when nutrient deprived. We attribute the associated increase in prey retention capacity as a fitness consequence of plasticity in the spiral properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Blamires
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences D26, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Penny J Martens
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Samuels Building F25, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Michael M Kasumovic
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences D26, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
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11
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Mortimer B, Soler A, Siviour CR, Zaera R, Vollrath F. Tuning the instrument: sonic properties in the spider's web. J R Soc Interface 2017; 13:rsif.2016.0341. [PMID: 27605164 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider orb webs are multifunctional, acting to absorb prey impact energy and transmit vibratory information to the spider. This paper explores the links between silk material properties, propagation of vibrations within webs and the ability of the spider to control and balance web function. Combining experimental and modelling approaches, we contrast transverse and longitudinal wave propagation in the web. It emerged that both transverse and longitudinal wave amplitude in the web can be adjusted through changes in web tension and dragline silk stiffness, i.e. properties that can be controlled by the spider. In particular, we propose that dragline silk supercontraction may have evolved as a control mechanism for these multifunctional fibres. The various degrees of active influence on web engineering reveals the extraordinary ability of spiders to shape the physical properties of their self-made materials and architectures to affect biological functionality, balancing trade-offs between structural and sensory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Mortimer
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A Soler
- Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - C R Siviour
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R Zaera
- Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Vollrath
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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12
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Blamires SJ, Hasemore M, Martens PJ, Kasumovic MM. Diet-induced covariation between architectural and physicochemical plasticity in an extended phenotype. J Exp Biol 2016; 220:876-884. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.150029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The adaptive benefits of extended phenotypic plasticity are imprecisely defined due to a paucity of experiments examining traits that are manipulable and measurable across environments. Spider webs are often used as models to explore the adaptive benefits of variations in extended phenotypes across environments. Nonetheless, our understanding of the adaptive nature of the plastic responses of spider webs is impeded when web architectures and silk physicochemical properties appear to co-vary. An opportunity to examine this co-variation is presented by modifying prey items while measuring web architectures and silk physiochemical properties. Here we performed two experiments to assess the nature of the association between web architectures and gluey silk properties when the orb web spider Argiope keyserlingi was fed a diet that varied in either mass and energy or prey size and feeding frequency. We found web architectures and gluey silk physicochemical properties to co-vary across treatments in both experiments. Specifically, web capture area co-varied with gluey droplet morphometrics, thread stickiness and salt concentrations when prey mass and energy were manipulated, and spiral spacing co-varied with gluey silk salt concentrations when prey size and feeding frequency were manipulated. We explained our results as A. keyserlingi plastically shifting its foraging strategy as multiple prey parameters simultaneously varied. We confirmed and extended previous work by showing that spiders use a variety of prey cues to concurrently adjust web and silk traits across different feeding regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Blamires
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences D26, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Matthew Hasemore
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences D26, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Penny J. Martens
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Samuels Building F25, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Michael M. Kasumovic
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences D26, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
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13
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Grawe I, Wolff JO, Gorb SN. Composition and substrate-dependent strength of the silken attachment discs in spiders. J R Soc Interface 2015; 11:20140477. [PMID: 25030386 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Araneomorph spiders have evolved different silks with dissimilar material properties, serving different purposes. The two-compound pyriform secretion is used to glue silk threads to substrates or to other threads. It is applied in distinct patterns, called attachment discs. Although ubiquitously found in spider silk applications and hypothesized to be strong and versatile at low material consumption, the performance of attachment discs on different substrates remains unknown. Here, we analyse the detachment forces and fracture mechanics of the attachment discs spun by five different species on three different substrates, by pulling on the upstream part of the attached thread. Results show that although the adhesion of the pyriform glue is heavily affected by the substrate, even on Teflon it is frequently strong enough to hold the spider's weight. As plant surfaces are often difficult to wet, they are hypothesized to be the major driving force for evolution of the pyriform secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Grawe
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel 24098, Germany Department of Mechanical Engineering, Westphalian Institute for Biomimetics, University of Applied Sciences, Münsterstrasse 265, Bocholt 46397, Germany
| | - Jonas O Wolff
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel 24098, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel 24098, Germany
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14
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Meyer A, Pugno NM, Cranford SW. Compliant threads maximize spider silk connection strength and toughness. J R Soc Interface 2015; 11:20140561. [PMID: 25008083 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of years of evolution have adapted spider webs to achieve a range of functionalities, including the well-known capture of prey, with efficient use of material. One feature that has escaped extensive investigation is the silk-on-silk connection joints within spider webs, particularly from a structural mechanics perspective. We report a joint theoretical and computational analysis of an idealized silk-on-silk fibre junction. By modifying the theory of multiple peeling, we quantitatively compare the performance of the system while systematically increasing the rigidity of the anchor thread, by both scaling the stress-strain response and the introduction of an applied pre-strain. The results of our study indicate that compliance is a virtue-the more extensible the anchorage, the tougher and stronger the connection becomes. In consideration of the theoretical model, in comparison with rigid substrates, a compliant anchorage enormously increases the effective adhesion strength (work required to detach), independent of the adhered thread itself, attributed to a nonlinear alignment between thread and anchor (contact peeling angle). The results can direct novel engineering design principles to achieve possible load transfer from compliant fibre-to-fibre anchorages, be they silk-on-silk or another, as-yet undeveloped, system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery Meyer
- Laboratory for Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering (NICE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, 400 Snell Engineering, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicola M Pugno
- Laboratory of Bio-Inspired and Graphene Nanomechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Università di Trento, via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy Center for Materials and Microsystems, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Povo (Trento), Italy
| | - Steven W Cranford
- Laboratory for Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering (NICE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, 400 Snell Engineering, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Chiavazzo E, Isaia M, Mammola S, Lepore E, Ventola L, Asinari P, Pugno NM. Cave spiders choose optimal environmental factors with respect to the generated entropy when laying their cocoon. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7611. [PMID: 25556697 PMCID: PMC5154591 DOI: 10.1038/srep07611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The choice of a suitable area to spiders where to lay eggs is promoted in terms of Darwinian fitness. Despite its importance, the underlying factors behind this key decision are generally poorly understood. Here, we designed a multidisciplinary study based both on in-field data and laboratory experiments focusing on the European cave spider Meta menardi (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) and aiming at understanding the selective forces driving the female in the choice of the depositional area. Our in-field data analysis demonstrated a major role of air velocity and distance from the cave entrance within a particular cave in driving the female choice. This has been interpreted using a model based on the Entropy Generation Minimization - EGM - method, without invoking best fit parameters and thanks to independent lab experiments, thus demonstrating that the female chooses the depositional area according to minimal level of thermo-fluid-dynamic irreversibility. This methodology may pave the way to a novel approach in understanding evolutionary strategies for other living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliodoro Chiavazzo
- Multi-Scale Modeling Lab (SMaLL), Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Isaia
- Laboratory of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Stefano Mammola
- Laboratory of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Emiliano Lepore
- Laboratory of Bio-inspired &Graphene Nanomechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Luigi Ventola
- Multi-Scale Modeling Lab (SMaLL), Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Pietro Asinari
- Multi-Scale Modeling Lab (SMaLL), Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Nicola Maria Pugno
- 1] Laboratory of Bio-inspired &Graphene Nanomechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy [2] Centre of Materials and Microsystems, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Via Santa Croce 77, 38122 Trento, Italy [3] School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University, Mile End Rd, London E1 4NS, UK
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16
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Zaera R, Soler A, Teus J. Uncovering changes in spider orb-web topology owing to aerodynamic effects. J R Soc Interface 2014; 11:20140484. [PMID: 24966235 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An orb-weaving spider's likelihood of survival is influenced by its ability to retain prey with minimum damage to its web and at the lowest manufacturing cost. This set of requirements has forced the spider silk to evolve towards extreme strength and ductility to a degree that is rare among materials. Previous studies reveal that the performance of the web upon impact may not be based on the mechanical properties of silk alone, aerodynamic drag could play a role in the dissipation of the prey's energy. Here, we present a thorough analysis of the effect of the aerodynamic drag on wind load and prey impact. The hypothesis considered by previous authors for the evaluation of the drag force per unit length of thread has been revisited according to well-established principles of fluid mechanics, highlighting the functional dependence on thread diameter that was formerly ignored. Theoretical analysis and finite-element simulations permitted us to identify air drag as a relevant factor in reducing deterioration of the orb web, and to reveal how the spider can take greater-and not negligible-advantage of drag dissipation. The study shows the beneficial air drag effects of building smaller and less dense webs under wind load, and larger and denser webs under prey impact loads. In essence, it points out why the aerodynamics need to be considered as an additional driving force in the evolution of silk threads and orb webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Zaera
- Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, University Carlos III of Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Soler
- Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, University Carlos III of Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Teus
- Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, University Carlos III of Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Ortega-Jimenez VM, Dudley R. Spiderweb deformation induced by electrostatically charged insects. Sci Rep 2014; 3:2108. [PMID: 23828093 PMCID: PMC3701317 DOI: 10.1038/srep02108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Capture success of spider webs has been associated with their microstructure, ornamentation, and wind-induced vibrations. Indirect evidence suggests that statically charged objects can attract silk thread, but web deformations induced by charged insects have not yet been described. Here, we show under laboratory conditions that electrostatically charged honeybees, green bottle flies, fruit flies, aphids, and also water drops falling near webs of cross-spiders (Araneus diadematus) induce rapid thread deformation that enhances the likelihood of physical contact, and thus of prey capture.
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18
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Blamires SJ, Sahni V, Dhinojwala A, Blackledge TA, Tso IM. Nutrient deprivation induces property variations in spider gluey silk. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88487. [PMID: 24523902 PMCID: PMC3921163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms facilitating property variability in biological adhesives may promote biomimetic innovations. Spider gluey silks such as the spiral threads in orb webs and the gumfoot threads in cobwebs, both of which comprise of an axial thread coated by glue, are biological adhesives that have variable physical and chemical properties. Studies show that the physical and chemical properties of orb web gluey threads change when spiders are deprived of food. It is, however, unknown whether gumfoot threads undergo similar property variations when under nutritional stress. Here we tested whether protein deprivation induces similar variations in spiral and gumfoot thread morphology and stickiness. We manipulated protein intake for the orb web spider Nephila clavipes and the cobweb spider Latrodectus hesperus and measured the diameter, glue droplet volume, number of droplets per mm, axial thread width, thread stickiness and adhesive energy of their gluey silks. We found that the gluey silks of both species were stickier when the spiders were deprived of protein than when the spiders were fed protein. In N. clavipes a concomitant increase in glue droplet volume was found. Load-extension curves showed that protein deprivation induced glue property variations independent of the axial thread extensions in both species. We predicted that changes in salt composition of the glues were primarily responsible for the changes in stickiness of the silks, although changes in axial thread properties might also contribute. We, additionally, showed that N. clavipes' glue changes color under protein deprivation, probably as a consequence of changes to its biochemical composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Blamires
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Vasav Sahni
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Todd A. Blackledge
- Department of Biology, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - I-Min Tso
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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20
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Pugno NM, Cranford SW, Buehler MJ. Synergetic material and structure optimization yields robust spider web anchorages. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2013; 9:2747-2756. [PMID: 23585296 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201201343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Millions of years of evolution have adapted spider webs to achieve a range of properties, including the well-known capture of prey, with efficient use of materials. One feature that remains poorly understood is the attachment disc, a network of silk fibers that mechanically anchors a web to its environment. Experimental observations suggest that one possible attachment disc adheres to a substrate through multiple symmetrically branched structures composed of sub-micrometer scale silk fibers. Here, a theoretical model is used to explore the adaptation of the strength of attachment of such an anchorage, and complementary mesoscale simulations are applied to demonstrate a novel mechanism of synergetic material and structural optimization, such that the maximum anchorage strength can be achieved regardless of the initial anchor placement or material type. The optimal delamination (peeling) angle is facilitated by the inherent extensibility of silk, and is attained automatically during the process of delamination. This concept of self-optimizing peeling angle suggests that attachment discs do not require precise placement by the spider, irrespective of adhesion strength. Additional hierarchical branching of the anchorage increases efficiency, where both the delamination force and toughness modulus increase with a splitting of the cross-sectional area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Pugno
- Laboratory of Bioinspired & Graphene Nanomechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Università di Trento, Via Mesiano, 77 I-38123 Trento, Italy.
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Cranford SW. Increasing silk fibre strength through heterogeneity of bundled fibrils. J R Soc Interface 2013; 10:20130148. [PMID: 23486175 PMCID: PMC3627094 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2013.0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Can naturally arising disorder in biological materials be beneficial? Materials scientists are continuously attempting to replicate the exemplary performance of materials such as spider silk, with detailed techniques and assembly procedures. At the same time, a spider does not precisely machine silk-imaging indicates that its fibrils are heterogeneous and irregular in cross section. While past investigations either focused on the building material (e.g. the molecular scale protein sequence and behaviour) or on the ultimate structural component (e.g. silk threads and spider webs), the bundled structure of fibrils that compose spider threads has been frequently overlooked. Herein, I exploit a molecular dynamics-based coarse-grain model to construct a fully three-dimensional fibril bundle, with a length on the order of micrometres. I probe the mechanical behaviour of bundled silk fibrils with variable density of heterogenic protrusions or globules, ranging from ideally homogeneous to a saturated distribution. Subject to stretching, the model indicates that cooperativity is enhanced by contact through low-force deformation and shear 'locking' between globules, increasing shear stress transfer by up to 200 per cent. In effect, introduction of a random and disordered structure can serve to improve mechanical performance. Moreover, addition of globules allows a tuning of free volume, and thus the wettability of silk (with implications for supercontraction). These findings support the ability of silk to maintain near-molecular-level strength at the scale of silk threads, and the mechanism could be easily adopted as a strategy for synthetic fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Cranford
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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22
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Wu CC, Blamires SJ, Wu CL, Tso IM. Wind induces variations in spider web geometry and sticky spiral droplet volume. J Exp Biol 2013; 216:3342-9. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.083618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Summary
Trap building by animals is rare because it comes at substantial costs. Using materials with properties that vary across environments maintains trap functionality. The sticky spiral silks of spider orb webs are used to catch flying prey. Web geometry, accompanied by compensatory changes in silk properties, may change across environments to sustain web functionality. We exposed the spider Cyclosa mulmeinensis to wind to test if wind-induced changes in web geometry are accompanied by changes in aggregate silk droplet morphology, axial thread width or spiral stickiness. We compared: (i) web catching area, (ii) length of total silks, (iii) mesh height, (iv) number of radii, (v) aggregate droplet morphology and (vi) spiral thread stickiness, between webs made by spiders exposed to wind with those not exposed to wind. We interpreted co-variation in droplet morphology or spiral stickiness with web capture area, mesh height or spiral length as the silk properties functionally compensating for changes in web geometry to reduce wind drag. Wind-exposed C. mulmeinensis built webs with smaller capture areas, shorter capture spiral lengths, and more widely spaced capture spirals, resulting in the expenditure of less silk. Individuals that were exposed to wind also deposited larger droplets of sticky silk but the stickiness of the spiral threads remained unchanged. The larger droplets may be a product of greater investment in water, or low molecular weight compounds facilitating atmospheric water uptake. Either way droplet dehydration in wind is likely to be minimized.
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