Magazine 3/2012
The Incisive Design of the Spider Claw
Flies and other insect prey can do little to counter the bite of a spider – even though their armor consists mainly of chitin and proteins, just like the venomous fangs of the predator. However, the exact chemical make-up and microstructure of the venomous fangs have been optimized to be able to penetrate the armor of the prey. A research team headed by Yael Politi and Peter Fratzl from the MPICI in Potsdam discovered this while researching the wandering spider Cupiennius salei.