To find out how much force a mantis shrimp dactyl clubs can possibly resist, the researchers tested live shrimps by having them hit a piezo -electric sensor as if they were breaking a shell. They also shot ultrasonic and hypersonic lasers on pieces of dactyl clubs from their copies so that they could see how the clubs defended against sound waves.
By keeping track of how sound waves spread on the surface of the Dactyl Club, the researchers could determine which regions of the club spread the most waves. It was the second layer, the impact surface, which handled the highest levels of stress. The periodic surface was almost as effective. Together they made the dactyl clubs almost immune for the tensions they generate.
There are few other examples with which the protective structures of the Mantis shrimp can be compared. On the prey side, evidence has been found that the scales on the wings of some moths absorb sound waves of predatorbells to keep them of echolocation to find them.
Insight into how Mantis shrimps defend themselves against extreme strength could inspire new technology. The structures in their dactyl clubs could in the future influence the designs of military and athletic protective equipment.
“Shrimp effects contain frequencies in the ultrasonic range, which has led to solutions inspired by shrimp that indicate ultrasonic filtering as a key [protective] Mechanism, “the team said in the same study.
Perhaps one day, a new bicycle helmet model may be inspired by a being that is no more than seven centimeters long, but literally does not burst under pressure.
Science, 2025. Doi: 10.1126/science.adq7100
