Ecology and Behavior of the Giant Wood Spider in New Guinea
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2017 AAS Abstracts
2017 AAS Abstracts The American Arachnological Society 41st Annual Meeting July 24-28, 2017 Quéretaro, Juriquilla Fernando Álvarez Padilla Meeting Abstracts ( * denotes participation in student competition) Abstracts of keynote speakers are listed first in order of presentation, followed by other abstracts in alphabetical order by first author. Underlined indicates presenting author, *indicates presentation in student competition. Only students with an * are in the competition. MAPPING THE VARIATION IN SPIDER BODY COLOURATION FROM AN INSECT PERSPECTIVE Ajuria-Ibarra, H. 1 Tapia-McClung, H. 2 & D. Rao 1 1. INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México. 2. Laboratorio Nacional de Informática Avanzada, A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz, México. Colour variation is frequently observed in orb web spiders. Such variation can impact fitness by affecting the way spiders are perceived by relevant observers such as prey (i.e. by resembling flower signals as visual lures) and predators (i.e. by disrupting search image formation). Verrucosa arenata is an orb-weaving spider that presents colour variation in a conspicuous triangular pattern on the dorsal part of the abdomen. This pattern has predominantly white or yellow colouration, but also reflects light in the UV part of the spectrum. We quantified colour variation in V. arenata from images obtained using a full spectrum digital camera. We obtained cone catch quanta and calculated chromatic and achromatic contrasts for the visual systems of Drosophila melanogaster and Apis mellifera. Cluster analyses of the colours of the triangular patch resulted in the formation of six and three statistically different groups in the colour space of D. melanogaster and A. mellifera, respectively. Thus, no continuous colour variation was found. -
Evidence for Nanocoulomb Charges on Spider Ballooning Silk
PHYSICAL REVIEW E 102, 012403 (2020) Evidence for nanocoulomb charges on spider ballooning silk E. L. Morley1,* and P. W. Gorham 2,† 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom 2Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2505 Correa Rd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA (Received 10 December 2019; revised 5 March 2020; accepted 6 March 2020; published 9 July 2020) We report on three launches of ballooning Erigone spiders observed in a 0.9m3 laboratory chamber, controlled under conditions where no significant air motion was possible. These launches were elicited by vertical, downward-oriented electric fields within the chamber, and the motions indicate clearly that negative electric charge on the ballooning silk, subject to the Coulomb force, produced the lift observed in each launch. We estimate the total charge required under plausible assumptions, and find that at least 1.15 nC is necessary in each case. The charge is likely to be nonuniformly distributed, favoring initial longitudinal mobility of electrons along the fresh silk during extrusion. These results demonstrate that spiders are able to utilize charge on their silk to attain electrostatic flight even in the absence of any aerodynamic lift. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.102.012403 I. INTRODUCTION nificant upward components to the local wind velocity distri- bution; whether actual wind momentum spectra provide the The phenomenon of aerial dispersal of spiders using required distributions is still unproven, particularly for takeoff strands of silk often called gossamer was identified and stud- conditions. Even so, recent detailed observations of spider ied first with some precision by Martin Lister in the late 17th ballooning analyzed exclusively in terms of aerodynamic century [1], followed by Blackwall in 1827 [2], Darwin [3]on forces [12] provide plausible evidence that larger spiders can the Beagle voyage, and a variety of investigators since [4–7]. -
Spiders at the Cinema
ACADEMIA Spider ecology, behavior, and learning Behavioral Ecology Spiders at the Cinema Focus on extremely receptive sensory organs allow MACIEJ BARTOS them to perceive those signals accurately, There are plenty Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection helping them construct complex webs and of spiders that are University of Łódź remotely localize insects flying or scuttling as colorful as the [email protected] nearby. Eyesight and sensory organs used prettiest butterflies, Dr Maciej Bartos studies the behavior of jumping spiders to perceive chemical stimuli also play an have better eyesight important role in orientation and commu- than many birds or In spite of severe brain size limitations, nication between individuals. Most spiders’ mammals, and exhibit many spiders are able to solve simple eyes, like those of insects, are not more complex behavior complex problems, recognize their prey capable of perceiving complex images. They than many higher allow them to notice motion, changes in light animals. Pictured: with great accuracy, and learn new intensity, and to a lesser degree allow them American Cardinal hunting techniques to identify a partner or prey. As such the jumper (Phiddippus majority of spiders exhibit relatively simple cardinalis) To most people, spiders are hairy crea- behavior. However, not tures that lurk in dark corners behind the all spiders are limited by cupboard. They are widely disliked, and low acuity of vision. in some people even trigger panic fuelled There is in fact a large by tales of the creatures’ terrible venom. group of diurnal spiders However, arachnophobia can be cured: those whose world is domi- afflicted simply need to find out more about nated by visual stimuli. -
Portia Perceptions: the Umwelt of an Araneophagic Jumping Spider
Portia Perceptions: The Umwelt of an Araneophagic Jumping 1 Spider Duane P. Harland and Robert R. Jackson The Personality of Portia Spiders are traditionally portrayed as simple, instinct-driven animals (Savory, 1928; Drees, 1952; Bristowe, 1958). Small brain size is perhaps the most compelling reason for expecting so little flexibility from our eight-legged neighbors. Fitting comfortably on the head of a pin, a spider brain seems to vanish into insignificance. Common sense tells us that compared with large-brained mammals, spiders have so little to work with that they must be restricted to a circumscribed set of rigid behaviors, flexibility being a luxury afforded only to those with much larger central nervous systems. In this chapter we review recent findings on an unusual group of spiders that seem to be arachnid enigmas. In a number of ways the behavior of the araneophagic jumping spiders is more comparable to that of birds and mammals than conventional wisdom would lead us to expect of an arthropod. The term araneophagic refers to these spiders’ preference for other spiders as prey, and jumping spider is the common English name for members of the family Saltici- dae. Although both their common and the scientific Latin names acknowledge their jumping behavior, it is really their unique, complex eyes that set this family of spiders apart from all others. Among spiders (many of which have very poor vision), salticids have eyes that are by far the most specialized for resolving fine spatial detail. We focus here on the most extensively studied genus, Portia. Before we discuss the interrelationship between the salticids’ uniquely acute vision, their predatory strategies, and their apparent cognitive abilities, we need to offer some sense of what kind of animal a jumping spider is; to do this, we attempt to offer some insight into what we might call Portia’s personality. -
Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve Invertebrate Ecological Restoration Proposal
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Lincoln University Research Archive Bio-Protection & Ecology Division Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve Invertebrate Ecological Restoration Proposal Mike Bowie Lincoln University Wildlife Management Report No. 47 ISSN: 1177‐6242 ISBN: 978‐0‐86476‐222‐1 Lincoln University Wildlife Management Report No. 47 Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve Invertebrate Ecological Restoration Proposal Mike Bowie Bio‐Protection and Ecology Division P.O. Box 84 Lincoln University [email protected] Prepared for: Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust October 2008 Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve Invertebrate Ecological Restoration Proposal 1. Introduction Rotokare Scenic Reserve is situated 12 km east of Eltham, South Taranaki, and is a popular recreation area for boating, walking and enjoying the scenery. The reserve consists of 230 ha of forested hill country, including a 17.8 ha lake and extensive wetland. Lake Rotokare is within the tribal area of the Ngati Ruanui and Ngati Tupaea people who used the area to collect food. Mature forested areas provide habitat for many birds including the fern bird (Sphenoeacus fulvus) and spotless crake (Porzana tabuensis), while the banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) and eels (Anguilla australis schmidtii and Anguilla dieffenbachii) are found in streams and the lake, and the gold‐striped gecko (Hoplodactylus chrysosireticus) in the flax margins. In 2004 a broad group of users of the reserve established the Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust with the following mission statements: “To achieve the highest possible standard of pest control/eradication with or without a pest‐proof fence and to achieve a mainland island” “To have due regard for recreational users of Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve” The Trust has raised funds and erected a predator exclusion fence around the 8.4 km reserve perimeter. -
Tarantulas and Social Spiders
Tarantulas and Social Spiders: A Tale of Sex and Silk by Jonathan Bull BSc (Hons) MSc ICL Thesis Presented to the Institute of Biology of The University of Nottingham in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Nottingham May 2012 DEDICATION To my parents… …because they both said to dedicate it to the other… I dedicate it to both ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost I would like to thank my supervisor Dr Sara Goodacre for her guidance and support. I am also hugely endebted to Dr Keith Spriggs who became my mentor in the field of RNA and without whom my understanding of the field would have been but a fraction of what it is now. Particular thanks go to Professor John Brookfield, an expert in the field of biological statistics and data retrieval. Likewise with Dr Susan Liddell for her proteomics assistance, a truly remarkable individual on par with Professor Brookfield in being able to simplify even the most complex techniques and analyses. Finally, I would really like to thank Janet Beccaloni for her time and resources at the Natural History Museum, London, permitting me access to the collections therein; ten years on and still a delight. Finally, amongst the greats, Alexander ‘Sasha’ Kondrashov… a true inspiration. I would also like to express my gratitude to those who, although may not have directly contributed, should not be forgotten due to their continued assistance and considerate nature: Dr Chris Wade (five straight hours of help was not uncommon!), Sue Buxton (direct to my bench creepy crawlies), Sheila Keeble (ventures and cleans where others dare not), Alice Young (read/checked my thesis and overcame her arachnophobia!) and all those in the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences. -
UC Santa Barbara Electronic Theses and Dissertations
UC Santa Barbara UC Santa Barbara Electronic Theses and Dissertations Title How Collective Personality, Behavioral Plasticity, Information, and Fear Shape Collective Hunting in a Spider Society Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4pm302q6 Author Wright, Colin Morgan Publication Date 2018 Peer reviewed|Thesis/dissertation eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara How Collective Personality, Behavioral Plasticity, Information, and Fear Shape Collective Hunting in a Spider Society A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology by Colin M. Wright Committee in charge: Professor Jonathan Pruitt, Chair Professor Erika Eliason Professor Thomas Turner June 2018 The dissertation of Colin M. Wright is approved. ____________________________________________ Erika Eliason ____________________________________________ Thomas Turner ____________________________________________ Jonathan Pruitt, Committee Chair April 2018 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Jonathan Pruitt, for supporting me and my research over the last 5 years. I could not imagine having a better, or more entertaining, mentor. I am very thankful to have had his unwavering support through academic as well as personal challenges. I am also extremely thankful for all the members of the Pruitt Lab (Nick Keiser, James Lichtenstein, and Andreas Modlmeier), as well as my cohorts at both the University of Pittsburgh and UCSB that have been my closest friends during graduate school. I appreciate Dr. Walter Carson at the University of Pittsburgh for being an unofficial second mentor to me during my time there. Most importantly, I would like to thank my family, Rill (mother), Tom (father), and Will (brother) Wright. -
Comparative Analysis of Courtship in <I>Agelenopsis</I> Funnel-Web Spiders
University of Tennessee, Knoxville TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 5-2012 Comparative analysis of courtship in Agelenopsis funnel-web spiders (Araneae, Agelenidae) with an emphasis on potential isolating mechanisms Audra Blair Galasso [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss Part of the Behavior and Ethology Commons Recommended Citation Galasso, Audra Blair, "Comparative analysis of courtship in Agelenopsis funnel-web spiders (Araneae, Agelenidae) with an emphasis on potential isolating mechanisms. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2012. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/1377 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a dissertation written by Audra Blair Galasso entitled "Comparative analysis of courtship in Agelenopsis funnel-web spiders (Araneae, Agelenidae) with an emphasis on potential isolating mechanisms." I have examined the final electronic copy of this dissertation for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, with a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Susan E. Riechert, Major -
Japanese Horseshoe Crab (Tachypleus Tridentatus)
Japanese Horseshoe Crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) Table of Contents Geographic Range ........................................................................................................ 1 Occurrence within range states .................................................................................... 1 Transport and introduction ........................................................................................... 2 Population ..................................................................................................................... 4 Population genetics ..................................................................................................... 4 Divergence time estimates ........................................................................................... 4 Point of origin ............................................................................................................... 5 Dispersal patterns ........................................................................................................ 5 Genetic diversity .......................................................................................................... 5 Conservation implications ............................................................................................ 9 Habitat, Biology & Ecology ......................................................................................... 10 Spawning ................................................................................................................... 10 Larval -
Exploring the Relationship Between Behaviour and Neurochemistry in the Polyphenic Spider, Anelosimus Studiosus (Araneae: Theridiidae) Jennifer B
East Tennessee State University Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University Electronic Theses and Dissertations Student Works 8-2016 Exploring the Relationship Between Behaviour and Neurochemistry in the Polyphenic Spider, Anelosimus studiosus (Araneae: Theridiidae) Jennifer B. Price East Tennessee State University Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd Part of the Behavioral Neurobiology Commons, Behavior and Ethology Commons, Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology Commons, Molecular Biology Commons, Other Animal Sciences Commons, and the Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons Recommended Citation Price, Jennifer B., "Exploring the Relationship Between Behaviour and Neurochemistry in the Polyphenic Spider, Anelosimus studiosus (Araneae: Theridiidae)" (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3114. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3114 This Dissertation - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Works at Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Exploring the Relationship Between Behaviour and Neurochemistry in the Polyphenic Spider, Anelosimus studiosus (Araneae: Theridiidae) ______________________ A dissertation Presented to the faculty of the Department of Biomedical Sciences East Tennessee State University In partial fulfillment of the requirements -
Odonate Exuviae Used for Roosts and Nests by Sassacus Vitis and Other Jumping Spiders (Araneae: Salticidae)
Peckhamia 142.1 Odonate exuviae used by jumping spiders 1 PECKHAMIA 142.1, 3 June 2016, 1―17 ISSN 2161―8526 (print) ISSN 1944―8120 (online) Odonate exuviae used for roosts and nests by Sassacus vitis and other jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) Tim Manolis 1 1 808 El Encino Way, Sacramento, CA 95864, USA, email: [email protected] Abstract: I systematically collected dragonfly (Anisoptera) exuviae along the margins of backwater lagoons in the American River floodplain, Sacramento County, California, USA, in five years (2008-2010, 2012-13) to document and monitor secondary use of these structures by arthropods, particularly spiders. Of nearly 400 exuviae examined, 28.1% were occupied, or showed signs of occupancy (e.g., unoccupied retreats). Of these occupied exuviae, 93% contained spiders or evidence of spider occupancy, and at least 50% of these were occupied by Sassacus vitis (many unoccupied retreats were probably of that species as well). S. vitis showed a significant preference for using the exuviae of sedentary, burrowing dragonfly larvae versus those of active, clasping or sprawling larvae. I found S. vitis in exuviae as single males and females, in pairs, and using exuviae for molt retreats and nests. Thirty-four S. vitis nests in exuviae provided data on aspects of the species’ breeding biology. In addition, a number of these nests were attacked by hymenopteran egg parasitoids in the genera Idris (Platygastridae) and Gelis (Ichneumonidae). I also found three other salticid species (Sitticus palustris, Synageles occidentalis, and Peckhamia sp.) in exuviae, all guarding egg sacs. Utilization of dragonfly exuviae by Sassacus vitis and other salticids is no doubt more frequent and widespread than previously noticed and deserves further scrutiny. -
Orchard Orbweaver, Orchard Spider Leucauge Argyrobapta (White), Leucauge Venusta(Walckenaer) (Arachnida: Araneae: Tetragnathidae)1 Donald W
EENY-728 Orchard Orbweaver, Orchard Spider Leucauge argyrobapta (White), Leucauge venusta(Walckenaer) (Arachnida: Araneae: Tetragnathidae)1 Donald W. Hall2 Introduction The orchard orbweavers, Leucauge argyrobapta (White) (Figure 1) and Leucauge venusta (Walckenaer), are attrac- tive small spiders and collectively are some of the most common spiders in the eastern US. The name orchard orbweaver is the common name accepted by the American Arachnological Society Committee on Common Names of Arachnids (Breen 2003) for these species, but they have also been called simply orchard spiders (Kaston and Kaston 1953, Levi and Levi 2002). Orchard orbweavers belong to Figure 1. Female orchard orbweaver, Leucauge argyrobapta (White). the family Tetragnathidae, the longjawed orbweavers (Levi (Spider removed from web for photography). and Hormiga 2017, World Spider Catalog 2018). Credits: Donald W. Hall, UF/IFAS Historically, the distribution of Leucauge venusta (Walck- Synonymy and Nomenclature enaer) was considered to range from Canada to Brazil. Synonyms for Leucauge venusta (Walckenaer): However, based on significant differences in DNA barcod- ing of populations, Ballesteros and Hormiga (2018) have Epeira venusta Walckenaer (1841) proposed restricting the name venusta to temperate popula- Epeira hortorum Hentz (1847) tions (Canada and the United States north of Florida) and Argyroepeira hortorum Emerton (1884) removing argyrobapta from junior synonymy to designate Argyroepeira venusta McCook (1893) Florida populations from those throughout the remaining Leucauge (Argyroepeira) mabelae Archer (1951) range of distribution to Brazil, which apparently comprise Linyphia (Leucauge) argyrobapta White (1841) a cryptic species. According to Dimitrov and Hormiga (2010), Linyphia (Leucauge) argyrobapta is the type species See Levi (1980, p. 25) for additional information on of the genus Leucauge.