How to pass the gap: functional morphology and biomechanics of spider bridging threads

Jonas O. Wolff, Jutta M. Schneider, Stanislav N. Gorb*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Many spiders use airborne silk threads for locomotion purposes or web initiation. In the case of bridging, the thread is used to span and cross a gap between two microhabitat structures. In this chapter we report some observations and experiments on bridging behaviour, structure and function of the bridging lines, hoping to inspire new biomechanical and biomimetic research on this fascinating, but sparsely studied mechanism.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBiotechnology of silk
EditorsTetsuo Asakura, Thomas Miller
Place of PublicationBerlin
PublisherSpringer, Springer Nature
Pages165-177
Number of pages13
Volume5
ISBN (Electronic)9789400771192
ISBN (Print)9789400771185
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameBiologically-Inspired Systems
PublisherSPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN
Volume5

Keywords

  • Bridging
  • Ampullate
  • Aciniform
  • Composite
  • Microstructure
  • Adhesion
  • NEPHILA-CLAVIPES
  • CAPTURE THREADS
  • PREY CAPTURE
  • ADHESION
  • CONTACT
  • SILK
  • MECHANICS
  • SIZE

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