The wandering spider’s hunting prowess relies on a structure that can sense vibration and distinguish the differences between various stimuli frequencies.
The wandering spider remains hidden in the shelter of stalkless, leafed plants by day and uses the same leaf as its hunting platform at night. Its hunting prowess relies on a unique structure called a lyriform organ to sense vibrations transmitted through the plant. The lyriform organ is a rippled, slit-like structure built into the spider's exoskeleton on the legs and body. As incoming vibrations deform the lyriform organ, the inner and outer membrane movement activates the nerves transmitting sensory information to the spider. The spider can distinguish the vibrational differences between the wind-induced plant movement, a potential mate sending communication signals, and the movements of potential prey.
Longer version (based on Awe-Inspire-Act texts)
The wandering spider remains hidden in the shelter of stalkless, leafed plants by day and uses the same leaf as its hunting platform at night. Its hunting prowess relies on a unique structure called a lyriform organ to sense vibrations transmitted through the plant. The lyriform organ is a rippled, slit-like structure built into the spider's exoskeleton on the legs and body. As incoming vibrations deform the lyriform organ, the inner and outer membrane movement activates the nerves transmitting sensory information to the spider. The spider can distinguish the vibrational differences between the wind-induced plant movement, a potential mate sending communication signals, and the movements of potential prey. This strategy is an inspiration for the development of devices used in laboratory analysis, piezoelectric technology, sensing innovation, among others.
