Vibration signal transmission in spider orb webs.

Vibration transmission from the prey-catching region to the hub of the unloaded orb web of Nuctenea sclopetaria was measured by laser vibrometry. Compared to transverse or lateral vibrations, longitudinal vibration shows less attenuation and contains more directional information. It is transmitted well throughout the entire frequency range measured (1 to 10,000 hertz).