Snare captures prey: fungi

Filamentous loops of some fungi aid hunting by acting as a snare, releasing a chemical attractant and then swelling to capture prey.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Pest attractant and capture.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"At least fifty species [of fungi] are active hunters, albeit on a microscopic scale. They develop little hoops on the side of their threads which carry three sensitive pads on their inner margin. These hoops produce a chemical smell with attracts tiny eelworms. If one wriggles into the ring, the pads suddenly swell and the worm is gripped so tightly, it cannot escape. Filaments from the ring then grow into the worm and suck out the contents of its body." (Attenborough 1995:179)

About the inspiring organism

Fungi
Fungi

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Pest attractant and capture.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Agriculture

References

Attenborough, D. 1995. The Private Life of Plants: A Natural History of Plant Behavior. London: BBC Books. 320 p.

Snare captures prey: fungi

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