The mathematics of prey detection in spider orb-webs
(PHYSorg.com Mathematics)

Spider webs are one of nature`s most fascinating manifestations. Many spiders extrude proteinaceous silk to weave sticky webs that ensnare unsuspecting prey who venture into their threads. Despite their elasticity, these webs possess incredible tensile strength. In recent years, scientists have expressed increased interest in the spider orb-web as a biological-mechanical system. The web`s sensory mechanisms are especially fascinating, given that most web-weaving spiders-regardless of their vision level-use generated vibrations to effectively locate ensnared prey.