Strength of fibers scales with crossection area, mass scales with volume.
replyThere are probably some other interesting adaptations involved, like the fact that the surface of a mantis shrimp's (shell? carapace?) selectively filters out sound waves (and thus, shockwaves caused by its own "punch").
replyIf they would prove that the trap also breaks the ant neck, saving venom, or stunning the prey for easy kill, that would be incredible. Somebody needs to include this thing in the script of a science fiction film.
reply> Somebody needs to include this thing in the script of a science fiction film.
reply"The Fly" is ready for a quick rewrite.