Linking properties of an orb-weaving spider's capture thread glycoprotein adhesive and flagelliform fiber components to prey retention time.

ABSTRACT: An orb web's adhesive capture spiral is responsible for prey retention. This thread is formed of regularly spaced glue droplets supported by two flagelliform axial lines. Each glue droplet features a glycoprotein adhesive core covered by a hygroscopic aqueous layer, which also covers axial lines between the droplets, making the entire thread responsive to environmental humidity.We characterized the effect of relative humidity (RH) on ability of Argiope aurantia and Argiope trifasciata thread arrays to retain houseflies and characterize the effect of humidity on their droplet properties. Using these data and those of Araneus marmoreus from a previous study, we then develop a regression model that correlated glycoprotein and flagelliform fiber properties with prey retent

SUBMITTER: Opell BD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6745672 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature