An electron microscopy photograph showcasing the intricate silk of the Australian net-caster spider, Asianopis subrufa, has received the highest accolade in the esteemed Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition. The photograph, captured by arachnologist Martín Ramírez at the Bernardino Rivadavia Natural Sciences Argentine Museum in Buenos Aires, offers a close-up view of the elaborate structure of this exceptional spider silk.
To obtain such intricate imagery, Ramírez applied a coating of gold and palladium to the silk, allowing it to be imaged with a field-emission scanning electron microscope under high vacuum conditions. The resulting electron micrograph, with a width of merely 50µm, showcases the remarkable characteristics of the net-caster spider’s silk.
The Australian net-caster spider adopts a distinctive hunting technique by creating a sticky silk net that it manages with its front legs. When potential prey comes near, the spider adeptly hurls its elastic net over the target, capturing it accurately. This fascinating hunting approach relies on the elastomeric core of the spider silk, which stretches upon being cast, complemented by a protective sheath of tougher fibers that boost its resilience.
The stunning electron microscopy photograph not only emphasizes the allure and intricacy of natural spider silk but also highlights the inventive application of contemporary imaging methods to explore the mysteries of nature’s engineering feats. The accolade in the Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition underscores the scientific and artistic significance of visualizing the micro-world.