Biomechanics: deadly strike mechanism of a mantis shrimp.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Stomatopods (mantis shrimp) are well known for the feeding appendages they use to smash shells and impale fish. Here we show that the peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) generates an extremely fast strike that requires major energy storage and release, which we explain in terms of a saddle-shaped exoskeletal spring mechanism. High-speed images reveal the formation and collapse of vapour bubbles next to the prey due to swift movement of the appendage towards it, indicating that O. scyllarus may use destructive cavitation forces to damage its prey.

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Duke Authors

Patek, Sheila N

Cited Authors

Patek, SN; Korff, WL; Caldwell, RL

Published Date

April 2004

Published In

Nature

Volume / Issue

428 / 6985

Start / End Page

819 - 820

PubMed ID

15103366

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

1476-4687

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0028-0836

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/428819a

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