Mantis Shrimp Dactyl Club (IMAGE) Purdue University Caption The mantis shrimp conquers its prey with a 'dactyl club' appendage, which is made up of a composite material that grows tougher as cracks twist. Credit Purdue University image/Pablo Zavattieri Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.