1
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Justyn NM, Heine KB, Hood WR, Peteya JA, Vanthournout B, Debruyn G, Shawkey MD, Weaver RJ, Hill GE. A combination of red structural and pigmentary coloration in the eyespot of a copepod. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220169. [PMID: 35611618 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While the specific mechanisms of colour production in biological systems are diverse, the mechanics of colour production are straightforward and universal. Colour is produced through the selective absorption of light by pigments, the scattering of light by nanostructures or a combination of both. When Tigriopus californicus copepods were fed a carotenoid-limited diet of yeast, their orange-red body coloration became faint, but their eyespots remained unexpectedly bright red. Raman spectroscopy indicated a clear signature of the red carotenoid pigment astaxanthin in eyespots; however, refractive index matching experiments showed that eyespot colour disappeared when placed in ethyl cinnamate, suggesting a structural origin for the red coloration. We used transmission electron microscopy to identify consecutive nanolayers of spherical air pockets that, when modelled as a single thin film layer, possess the correct periodicity to coherently scatter red light. We then performed microspectrophotometry to quantify eyespot coloration and confirmed a distinct colour difference between the eyespot and the body. The observed spectral reflectance from the eyespot matched the reflectance predicted from our models when considering the additional absorption by astaxanthin. Together, this evidence suggests the persistence of red eyespots in copepods is the result of a combination of structural and pigmentary coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Justyn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Kyle B Heine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Wendy R Hood
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Jennifer A Peteya
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Bram Vanthournout
- Department of Biology, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gerben Debruyn
- Department of Biology, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Department of Biology, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ryan J Weaver
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Geoffrey E Hill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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2
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Glenszczyk M, Outomuro D, Gregorič M, Kralj-Fišer S, Schneider JM, Nilsson DE, Morehouse NI, Tedore C. The jumping spider Saitis barbipes lacks a red photoreceptor to see its own sexually dimorphic red coloration. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2021; 109:6. [PMID: 34894274 PMCID: PMC8665921 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-021-01774-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Examining the role of color in mate choice without testing what colors the study animal is capable of seeing can lead to ill-posed hypotheses and erroneous conclusions. Here, we test the seemingly reasonable assumption that the sexually dimorphic red coloration of the male jumping spider Saitis barbipes is distinguishable, by females, from adjacent black color patches. Using microspectrophotometry, we find clear evidence for photoreceptor classes with maximal sensitivity in the UV (359 nm) and green (526 nm), inconclusive evidence for a photoreceptor maximally sensitive in the blue (451 nm), and no evidence for a red photoreceptor. No colored filters within the lens or retina could be found to shift green sensitivity to red. To quantify and visualize whether females may nevertheless be capable of discriminating red from black color patches, we take multispectral images of males and calculate photoreceptor excitations and color contrasts between color patches. Red patches would be, at best, barely discriminable from black, and not discriminable from a low-luminance green. Some color patches that appear achromatic to human eyes, such as beige and white, strongly absorb UV wavelengths and would appear as brighter "spider-greens" to S. barbipes than the red color patches. Unexpectedly, we discover an iridescent UV patch that contrasts strongly with the UV-absorbing surfaces dominating the rest of the spider. We propose that red and black coloration may serve identical purposes in sexual signaling, functioning to generate strong achromatic contrast with the visual background. The potential functional significance of red coloration outside of sexual signaling is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Glenszczyk
- Zoological Institute, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007, Katowice, Poland
| | - David Outomuro
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Matjaž Gregorič
- Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Jovan Hadži Institute of Biology, Novi trg 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kralj-Fišer
- Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Jovan Hadži Institute of Biology, Novi trg 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jutta M Schneider
- Zoological Institute, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dan-Eric Nilsson
- Lund Vision Group, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Nathan I Morehouse
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Cynthia Tedore
- Zoological Institute, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
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3
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Holmes NP, Griffith MJ, Barr MG, Nicolaidis NC, Bhatia V, Duncan M, McCarroll I, Whiting J, Dastoor PC, Cairney JM. Remote Learning Facilitated by MyScope Explore. MICROSCOPY TODAY 2021; 29:42-48. [PMID: 36511770 PMCID: PMC9728105 DOI: 10.1017/s1551929521001322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In response to the requirements imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we developed a remote learning undergraduate workshop for 44 students at the University of Newcastle by embedding scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of Maratus (Peacock) spiders into the MyScope Explore environment. The workshop session had two main components: 1) to use the online MyScope Explore tool to virtually image scales with structural color and pigmented color on Maratus spiders; 2) to join a live SEM session via Zoom to image an actual Maratus spider. In previous years, the undergraduate university students attending this annual workshop would enter the Microscopy Facility at the University of Newcastle to image specimens with SEM; however, in 2020 the Microscopy Facility was closed to student visitors, and this virtual activity was developed in order to proceed with the educational event. The program was highly successful and constitutes a platform that can be used in the future by universities for teaching microscopy remotely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie P Holmes
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Matthew J Griffith
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Matthew G Barr
- Centre for Organic Electronics (COE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Nicolas C Nicolaidis
- Centre for Organic Electronics (COE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Vijay Bhatia
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael Duncan
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Ingrid McCarroll
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jenny Whiting
- Microscopy Australia Headquarters, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paul C Dastoor
- Centre for Organic Electronics (COE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Julie M Cairney
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Microscopy Australia Headquarters, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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4
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Fujiwara M, Kono N, Hirayama A, Malay AD, Nakamura H, Ohtoshi R, Numata K, Tomita M, Arakawa K. Xanthurenic Acid Is the Main Pigment of Trichonephila clavata Gold Dragline Silk. Biomolecules 2021; 11:563. [PMID: 33921320 PMCID: PMC8070366 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider silk is a natural fiber with remarkable strength, toughness, and elasticity that is attracting attention as a biomaterial of the future. Golden orb-weaving spiders (Trichonephila clavata) construct large, strong webs using golden threads. To characterize the pigment of golden T. clavata dragline silk, we used liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis. We found that the major pigment in the golden dragline silk of T. clavata was xanthurenic acid. To investigate the possible function of the pigment, we tested the effect of xanthurenic acid on bacterial growth using gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. We found that xanthurenic acid had a slight antibacterial effect. Furthermore, to investigate the UV tolerance of the T. clavata threads bleached of their golden color, we conducted tensile deformation tests and scanning electron microscope observations. However, in these experiments, no significant effect was observed. We therefore speculate that golden orb-weaving spiders use the pigment for other purposes, such as to attract their prey in the sunlight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Fujiwara
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Kono
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Hirayama
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Ali D. Malay
- Biomacromolecules Research Team: RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; (A.D.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Spiber Inc.: Mizukami 234-1, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan; (H.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Rintaro Ohtoshi
- Spiber Inc.: Mizukami 234-1, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan; (H.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Keiji Numata
- Biomacromolecules Research Team: RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; (A.D.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Masaru Tomita
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
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5
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Kariko S, Timonen JVI, Weaver JC, Gur D, Marks C, Leiserowitz L, Kolle M, Li L. Structural origins of coloration in the spider Phoroncidia rubroargentea Berland, 1913 (Araneae: Theridiidae) from Madagascar. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:rsif.2017.0930. [PMID: 29467259 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the structural basis for the red, silver and black coloration of the theridiid spider, Phoroncidia rubroargentea (Berland, 1913) from Madagascar. Specimens of this species can retain their colour after storage in ethanol for decades, whereas most other brightly pigmented spider specimens fade under identical preservation conditions. Using correlative optical, structural and chemical analysis, we identify the colour-generating structural elements and characterize their optical properties. The prominent silvery appearance of the spider's abdomen results from regularly arranged guanine microplatelets, similar to those found in other spiders and fish. The microplatelets are composed of a doublet structure twinned about the [[Formula: see text]] axis, as suggested by electron diffraction. The red coloration originates from chambered microspheres (approx. 1 µm in diameter), which contain structured fluorescent material. Co-localization of the red microparticles on top of the reflective guanine microplatelets appears to enhance the red coloration. The spider's thick cuticular layer, which encases its abdomen, varies in its optical properties, being transparent in regions where only guanine reflectors are present, and tanned, exhibiting light absorption where the red microspheres are found. Moreover, colour degradation in some preserved spider specimens that had suffered damage to the cuticular layer suggests that this region of the exoskeleton may play an important role in the stabilization of the red coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kariko
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jaakko V I Timonen
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University School of Science, Espoo 02150, Finland
| | - James C Weaver
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Technology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Dvir Gur
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems and Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Carolyn Marks
- Center for Nano Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Leslie Leiserowitz
- Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Mathias Kolle
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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6
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Hsiung BK, Justyn NM, Blackledge TA, Shawkey MD. Spiders have rich pigmentary and structural colour palettes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 220:1975-1983. [PMID: 28566355 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.156083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the mechanisms of colour production in organisms is important for understanding how selection acts upon a variety of behaviours. Spiders provide many spectacular examples of colours used in courtship, predation, defence and thermoregulation, but are thought to lack many types of pigments common in other animals. Ommochromes, bilins and eumelanin have been identified in spiders, but not carotenoids or melanosomes. Here, we combined optical microscopy, refractive index matching, confocal Raman microspectroscopy and electron microscopy to investigate the basis of several types of colourful patches in spiders. We obtained four major results. First, we show that spiders use carotenoids to produce yellow, suggesting that such colours may be used for condition-dependent courtship signalling. Second, we established the Raman signature spectrum for ommochromes, facilitating the identification of ommochromes in a variety of organisms in the future. Third, we describe a potential new pigmentary-structural colour interaction that is unusual because of the use of long wavelength structural colour in combination with a slightly shorter wavelength pigment in the production of red. Finally, we present the first evidence for the presence of melanosomes in arthropods, using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy, overturning the assumption that melanosomes are a synapomorphy of vertebrates. Our research shows that spiders have a much richer colour production palette than previously thought, and this has implications for colour diversification and function in spiders and other arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor-Kai Hsiung
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA .,Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA
| | - Nicholas M Justyn
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA
| | - Todd A Blackledge
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA.,Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA.,Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA.,Biology Department, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures group, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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7
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Watkins OC, Sharpe ML, Perry NB, Krause KL. New Zealand glowworm (Arachnocampa luminosa) bioluminescence is produced by a firefly-like luciferase but an entirely new luciferin. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3278. [PMID: 29459729 PMCID: PMC5818473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21298-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The New Zealand glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is well-known for displays of blue-green bioluminescence, but details of its bioluminescent chemistry have been elusive. The glowworm is evolutionarily distant from other bioluminescent creatures studied in detail, including the firefly. We have isolated and characterised the molecular components of the glowworm luciferase-luciferin system using chromatography, mass spectrometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The purified luciferase enzyme is in the same protein family as firefly luciferase (31% sequence identity). However, the luciferin substrate of this enzyme is produced from xanthurenic acid and tyrosine, and is entirely different to that of the firefly and known luciferins of other glowing creatures. A candidate luciferin structure is proposed, which needs to be confirmed by chemical synthesis and bioluminescence assays. These findings show that luciferases can evolve independently from the same family of enzymes to produce light using structurally different luciferins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver C Watkins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd., Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Miriam L Sharpe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nigel B Perry
- New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd., Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Kurt L Krause
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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8
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Stavenga DG, Otto JC, Wilts BD. Splendid coloration of the peacock spider Maratus splendens. J R Soc Interface 2017; 13:rsif.2016.0437. [PMID: 27512139 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Jumping spiders are well known for their acute vision and often bright colours. The male peacock spider Maratus splendens is richly coloured by scales that cover the body. The colours of the white, cream and red scales, which have an elaborate shape with numerous spines, are pigmentary. Blue scales are unpigmented and have a structural colour, created by an intricate photonic system consisting of two chitinous layers with ridges, separated by an air gap, with on the inner sides of the chitin layers an array of filaments. We have characterized the optical properties of the scales by microspectrophotometry, imaging scatterometry and light and scanning electron microscopy. Optical modelling revealed that the filament array constitutes a novel structural coloration system, which subtly fine tunes the scale reflectance to the observed blue coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doekele G Stavenga
- Computational Physics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen C Otto
- 19 Grevillea Avenue, St. Ives, New South Wales 2075, Australia
| | - Bodo D Wilts
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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9
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Reillo PR, Wise DH. AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF SELECTION ON COLOR MORPHS OF THE POLYMORPHIC SPIDER
ENOPLOGNATHA OVATA
(ARANEAE: THERIDIIDAE). Evolution 2017; 42:1172-1189. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1988.tb04178.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/1987] [Accepted: 05/07/1988] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Reillo
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Maryland, Baltimore County Campus Catonsville MD 21228
| | - David H. Wise
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Maryland, Baltimore County Campus Catonsville MD 21228
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10
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Williams TL, DiBona CW, Dinneen SR, Labadie SFJ, Chu F, Deravi LF. Contributions of Phenoxazone-Based Pigments to the Structure and Function of Nanostructured Granules in Squid Chromatophores. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2016; 32:3754-3759. [PMID: 27049640 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the structure-function relationships of pigment-based nanostructures can provide insight into the molecular mechanisms behind biological signaling, camouflage, or communication experienced in many species. In squid Doryteuthis pealeii, combinations of phenoxazone-based pigments are identified as the source of visible color within the nanostructured granules that populate dermal chromatophore organs. In the absence of the pigments, granules experience a reduction in diameter with the loss of visible color, suggesting important structural and functional features. Energy gaps are estimated from electronic absorption spectra, revealing highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies that are dependent upon the varying carboxylated states of the pigment. These results implicate a hierarchical mechanism for the bulk coloration in cephalopods originating from the molecular components confined within in the nanostructured granules of chromatophore organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Williams
- Department of Chemistry, §Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, and ∥Materials Science Program, University of New Hampshire , Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
| | - Christopher W DiBona
- Department of Chemistry, §Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, and ∥Materials Science Program, University of New Hampshire , Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
| | - Sean R Dinneen
- Department of Chemistry, §Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, and ∥Materials Science Program, University of New Hampshire , Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
| | - Stephanie F Jones Labadie
- Department of Chemistry, §Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, and ∥Materials Science Program, University of New Hampshire , Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
| | - Feixia Chu
- Department of Chemistry, §Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, and ∥Materials Science Program, University of New Hampshire , Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
| | - Leila F Deravi
- Department of Chemistry, §Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, and ∥Materials Science Program, University of New Hampshire , Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
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11
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Hsiung BK, Blackledge TA, Shawkey MD. Spiders do have melanin after all. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:3632-5. [PMID: 26449977 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.128801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Melanin pigments are broadly distributed in nature - from bacteria to fungi to plants and animals. However, many previous attempts to identify melanins in spiders were unsuccessful, suggesting that these otherwise ubiquitous pigments were lost during spider evolution. Yet, spiders exhibit many dark colours similar to those produced by melanins in other organisms, and the low solubility of melanins makes isolation and characterization difficult. Therefore, whether melanins are truly absent or have simply not yet been detected is an open question. Raman spectroscopy provides a reliable way to detect melanins in situ, without the need for isolation. In this study, we document the presence of eumelanin in diverse species of spiders using confocal Raman microspectroscopy. Comparisons of spectra with theoretically calculated data falsify the previous hypothesis that dark colours are produced solely by ommochromes in spiders. Our data indicate that melanins are present in spiders and further supporting that they are present in most living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor-Kai Hsiung
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA
| | - Todd A Blackledge
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA
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12
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Rosenthal MF, Hebets EA. Temporal patterns of nutrition dependence in secondary sexual traits and their varying impacts on male mating success. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Brewer MS, Carter RA, Croucher PJP, Gillespie RG. Shifting habitats, morphology, and selective pressures: Developmental polyphenism in an adaptive radiation of Hawaiian spiders. Evolution 2014; 69:162-78. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Brewer
- Department of Environmental Science; Policy, and Management; University of California; Berkeley California 94720
- Department of Biology; East Carolina University; Greenville North Carolina 27858
| | - Rebecca A. Carter
- Department of Environmental Science; Policy, and Management; University of California; Berkeley California 94720
| | - Peter J. P. Croucher
- Department of Environmental Science; Policy, and Management; University of California; Berkeley California 94720
| | - Rosemary G. Gillespie
- Department of Environmental Science; Policy, and Management; University of California; Berkeley California 94720
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14
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Gawryszewski FM, Birch D, Kemp DJ, Herberstein ME. Dissecting the variation of a visual trait: the proximate basis of
UV
‐Visible reflectance in crab spiders (Thomisidae). Funct Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe M. Gawryszewski
- Deparment of Biological Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde New South Wales2109 Australia
| | - Debra Birch
- Deparment of Biological Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde New South Wales2109 Australia
| | - Darrell J. Kemp
- Deparment of Biological Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde New South Wales2109 Australia
| | - Marie E. Herberstein
- Deparment of Biological Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde New South Wales2109 Australia
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15
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Llandres AL, Figon F, Christidès JP, Mandon N, Casas J. Environmental and hormonal factors controlling reversible colour change in crab spiders. J Exp Biol 2013; 216:3886-95. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.086470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Habitat heterogeneity that occurs within an individual's lifetime may favour the evolution of reversible plasticity. Colour reversibility has many different functions in animals, such as thermoregulation, crypsis through background matching and social interactions. However, the mechanisms underlying reversible colour changes are yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study aims to determine the environmental and hormonal factors underlying morphological colour changes in Thomisus onustus crab spiders and the biochemical metabolites produced during these changes. We quantified the dynamics of colour changes over time: spiders were kept in yellow and white containers under natural light conditions and their colour was measured over 15 days using a spectrophotometer. We also characterised the chemical metabolites of spiders changing to a yellow colour using HPLC. Hormonal control of colour change was investigated by injecting 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) into spiders. We found that background colouration was a major environmental factor responsible for colour change in crab spiders: individuals presented with white and yellow backgrounds changed to white and yellow colours, respectively. An ommochrome precursor, 3-OH-kynurenine, was the main pigment responsible for yellow colour. Spiders injected with 20E displayed a similar rate of change towards yellow colouration as spiders kept in yellow containers and exposed to natural sunlight. This study demonstrates novel hormonal manipulations that are capable of inducing reversible colour change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Llandres
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université de Tours, UMR CNRS 635, Avenue Monge-Parc Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Florent Figon
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université de Tours, UMR CNRS 635, Avenue Monge-Parc Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Christidès
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université de Tours, UMR CNRS 635, Avenue Monge-Parc Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Nicole Mandon
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université de Tours, UMR CNRS 635, Avenue Monge-Parc Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Jérôme Casas
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Université de Tours, UMR CNRS 635, Avenue Monge-Parc Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France
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16
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Tedore C, Johnsen S. Weaponry, color, and contest success in the jumping spider Lyssomanes viridis. Behav Processes 2012; 89:203-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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17
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Cryptic color change in a crab spider (Misumena vatia): identification and quantification of precursors and ommochrome pigments by HPLC. J Chem Ecol 2010; 36:412-23. [PMID: 20224921 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-010-9765-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2009] [Revised: 01/13/2010] [Accepted: 02/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Mimicry is used widely by arthropods to survive in a hostile environment. Often mimicry is associated with the production of chemical compounds such as pigments. In crab spiders, the change of color is based on a complex physiological process that still is not understood. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the ommochrome pigments and precursors responsible for the color change in the mimetic crab spider Misumena vatia (Thomisidae). A modified high performance reverse phase ion-pair chromatography technique enabled us to separate and quantify the ommochrome pigments, their precursors, and related metabolites in individual spiders. Compounds such as tryptophan, kynurenine, and kynurenic acid occurred only or mainly in white crab spiders. In contrast, compounds such as 3-hydroxy-kynurenine, xanthommatin, and ommatin D occurred only or mainly in yellow crab spiders. Factor analysis ranked the different color forms in accordance with their metabolites. The biochemical results enabled us to associate the different phases of formation of pigment granules with specific metabolites. Yellow crab spiders contain many unknown ommochrome-like compounds not present in white crab spiders. We also found large quantities of decarboxylated xanthommatin, whose role as precursor of new pathways in ommochrome synthesis needs to be assessed. The catabolism of ommochromes, a process occurring when spiders revert from yellow to white, warrants further study.
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18
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Insausti TC, Casas J. Turnover of pigment granules: cyclic catabolism and anabolism of ommochromes within epidermal cells. Tissue Cell 2009; 41:421-9. [PMID: 19631357 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Revised: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ommochromes are end products of the tryptophan metabolism in arthropods. While the anabolism of ommochromes has been well studied, the catabolism is totally unknown. In order to study it, we used the crab-spider Misumena vatia, which is able to change color reversibly in a few days, from yellow to white and back. Ommochromes is the only pigment class responsible for the body coloration in this animal. The aim of this study was to analyze the fine structure of the epidermal cells in bleaching spiders, in an attempt to correlate morphological changes with the fate of the pigment granules. Central to the process of bleaching is the lysis of the ommochrome granules. In the same cell, intact granules and granules in different degradation stages are found. The degradation begins with granule autolysis. Some components are extruded in the extracellular space and others are recycled via autophagy. Abundant glycogen appears associated to granulolysis. In a later stage of bleaching, ommochrome progranules, typical of white spiders, appear in the distal zone of the same epidermal cell. Catabolism and anabolism of pigment granules thus take place simultaneously in spider epidermal cells. A cyclic pathway of pigment granules formation and degradation, throughout a complete cycle of color change is proposed, together with an explanation for this turnover, involving photoprotection against UV by ommochromes metabolites. The presence of this turnover for melanins is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Insausti
- Université de Tours, Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR CNRS 6035, Tours, France.
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19
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Théry M, Casas J. The multiple disguises of spiders: web colour and decorations, body colour and movement. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2009; 364:471-80. [PMID: 18990672 PMCID: PMC2674075 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse functions have been assigned to the visual appearance of webs, spiders and web decorations, including prey attraction, predator deterrence and camouflage. Here, we review the pertinent literature, focusing on potential camouflage and mimicry. Webs are often difficult to detect in a heterogeneous visual environment. Static and dynamic web distortions are used to escape visual detection by prey, although particular silk may also attract prey. Recent work using physiological models of vision taking into account visual environments rarely supports the hypothesis of spider camouflage by decorations, but most often the prey attraction and predator confusion hypotheses. Similarly, visual modelling shows that spider coloration is effective in attracting prey but not in conveying camouflage. Camouflage through colour change might be used by particular crab spiders to hide from predator or prey on flowers of different coloration. However, results obtained on a non-cryptic crab spider suggest that an alternative function of pigmentation may be to avoid UV photodamage through the transparent cuticle. Numerous species are clearly efficient locomotory mimics of ants, particularly in the eyes of their predators. We close our paper by highlighting gaps in our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Théry
- UMR 7179, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 1 avenue du Petit Château, 91800 Brunoy, France.
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20
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HIPPA HEIKKI, OKSALA ILKKA. Colour polymorphism of Enoplognatha ovata (Clerck) (Araneae, Theridiidae) in western Europe. Hereditas 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5223.1979.tb01307.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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21
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Insausti TC, Casas J. The functional morphology of color changing in a spider: development of ommochrome pigment granules. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 211:780-9. [PMID: 18281341 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.014043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies on the formation of ommochrome pigment granules are very few, despite their generalized occurrence as screening pigments in insect eyes. This is particularly true for ommochrome granules responsible for epidermal coloration. The aims of this study were to characterize the localization of major body pigments in a color changing mimetic spider, Misumena vatia (Thomisidae), and to describe the formation and location of ommochrome pigment granules responsible for the spider's color change from white to yellow. The unpigmented cuticula of this spider is transparent. Both the guanine localized in guanine cells in the opisthosoma and the uric acid localized in epidermis cells in the prosoma are responsible for the white coloration. The bright yellow color is due to the combination of ommochrome pigment granules and the white reflectance from coincident guanine and/or uric acid. The formation of ommochrome pigment granules in epidermis cells proceeds via three distinctive steps. Translucent, UV fluorescent, progranules (type I) are produced by a dense network of endoplasmic reticulum associated with numerous mitochondria and glycogen rosettes. These progranules are present in white spiders only, and regularly distributed in the cytoplasm. The merging of several progranules of type I into a transient state (progranule type II) leads to the formation of granules (type III) characterized by their lack of fluorescence, their spherical sections and their osmophilic-electron-dense contents. They are found in yellow spiders and in the red stripes on the body sides. Their color varies from yellow to red. Thus, white spiders contain only type I granules, yellow tinted spiders contain type II and III granules and bright yellow spiders contain only type III granules. We present a synthetic view of the ontogeny of ommochrome granules. We discuss the physiology of color changing and the nature of the chemical compounds in the different types of granules. Extended studies on the ultrastructural modification and physiological processes associated with color change are required before any statement about the adaptiveness of the color change can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresita C Insausti
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR CNRS 6035, Université de Tours, Avenue Monge, Parc Grandmont, Tours, France.
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22
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Théry M. Colours of background reflected light and of the prey's eye affect adaptive coloration in female crab spiders. Anim Behav 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2006.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Townsend VR, Felgenhauer BE. Ultrastructure of the cuticular scales of lynx spiders (Araneae, Oxyopidae) and jumping spiders (Araneae, Salticidae). J Morphol 1999; 240:77-92. [PMID: 29852725 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4687(199904)240:1<77::aid-jmor6>3.0.co;2-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The cuticular scales of spiders are flattened setae that may occur in a diverse array of colors and shapes on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the prosoma, opisthosoma, and walking legs. In this study, we used transmission electron microscopy (of both sections and wholemounts) and scanning electron microscopy (in concert with paraffin carving) to examine the internal anatomy and ultrastructure of the cuticular scales of several species of lynx spiders (Oxyopidae) and jumping spiders (Salticidae). We also examined iridescent and noniridescent pigmented scales for species in both families. In addition to discovering intra- and interspecific and sexual differences in scale ultrastructure, the results of our research also indicate that the ultrastructure of the scales of these spiders varies directly with coloration. For iridescent scales, we found a general absence of trabeculae, a lack of pigment granules, and an almost complete fusion of the the upper and lower laminae. For noniridescent scales, we observed granules, well-formed trabeculae, and a complex internal structure consisting of internal elements within the lumen of the scale. Our examination of the scales of these spiders represents the first complete description of the ultrastructure of the cuticular scales of any species of spider. J. Morphol. 240:77-92, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor R Townsend
- Department of Biology, University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana
| | - Bruce E Felgenhauer
- Department of Biology, University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana
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24
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Oxford GS, Gillespie RG. Evolution and ecology of spider coloration. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 1998; 43:619-643. [PMID: 15012400 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.43.1.619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Genetic color variation provides a tangible link between the external phenotype of an organism and its underlying genetic determination and thus furnishes a tractable system with which to explore fundamental evolutionary phenomena. Here we examine the basis of color variation in spiders and its evolutionary and ecological implications. Reversible color changes, resulting from several mechanisms, are surprisingly widespread in the group and must be distinguished from true genetic variation for color to be used as an evolutionary tool. Genetic polymorphism occurs in a large number of families and is frequently sex limited: Sex linkage has not yet been demonstrated, nor have the forces promoting sex limitation been elucidated. It is argued that the production of color is metabolically costly and is principally maintained by the action of sight-hunting predators. Key avenues for future research are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Oxford
- Department of Biology, University of York, PO Box 373, York YO1 5YW, UK.
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25
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Genetics of a colour polymorphism in Theridion grallator (Araneae: Theridiidae), the Hawaiian happy-face spider, from Greater Maui. Heredity (Edinb) 1996. [DOI: 10.1038/hdy.1996.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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26
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Gillespie RG, Tabashnik BE. What makes a happy face? Determinants of colour pattern in the Hawaiian happy face spider Theridion grallator (Araneae, Theridiidae). Heredity (Edinb) 1989. [DOI: 10.1038/hdy.1989.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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