WEBVTT

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Read the web's structure. This still photograph shows a shamrock orb-weaver's web. Look for spokes running outward and a capture spiral crossing between them.

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An insect brings the energy. A flying insect arrives with kinetic energy. On contact, the web deforms: several silk threads help carry the load.

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Stopping and sticking have different jobs. In the studied orb webs, radial threads absorbed most impact energy. The glue-coated spiral helps retain prey after contact.

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Stretch does more than store energy. Some energy returns as the web recoils. Some dissipates within stretching silk, reducing energy available to throw the insect back out.

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Simplify the whole web. Our lab replaces many threads with one spring and damper. Its settings illustrate behavior; they are not measurements of this photographed web.

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Which web rebounds more?. Keep impact energy and stiffness fixed. Change only energy loss, replay both settings, and compare the size of the rebound.