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Crowley LM, Hutchinson F. The genome sequence of the Wasp Spider, Argiope bruennichi (Scopoli, 1772). Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:522. [PMID: 38434739 PMCID: PMC10904950 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.20339.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a genome assembly from an individual female Argiope bruennichi (the Wasp Spider; Arthropoda; Arachnida; Araneae; Araneidae). The genome sequence is 1,778.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X 1 and X 2 sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 14.06 kilobases in length.
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Molecular Identification of Asian Hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax Prey from Larval Gut Contents: A Promising Method to Study the Diet of an Invasive Pest. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030511. [PMID: 36766400 PMCID: PMC9913685 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Asian hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), is an invasive hornet that was accidentally introduced into Europe in 2004. It mainly preys on other invertebrates and arthropod species, and often targets honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. The introduction of these hornets may damage indigenous fauna and apiculture. Knowledge of V. velutina prey preference and the species composition of their diet is relatively limited. In this study, we assessed methodologies for the molecular identification of prey using dissected larvae from destroyed nests. Ten larval samples were taken from five nests in areas where the hornets had not yet established: two from the Channel Islands and three in the mainland UK. DNA was extracted from the gut contents and sequenced and analysed by metabarcoding with Oxford Nanopore Technologies' Flongle and MinION devices. Numerous taxa were detected in each larval sample with the species composition varying by individual and by nest. Between 15 and 26 species were found per nest, with wasps (Vespula spp.), spiders, honey bees and blow flies being the most abundant taxa. These results demonstrate that metabarcoding larval gut contents can be used to study the Asian hornet diet and give a first snapshot of the prey items captured by V. v. nigrithorax in the UK. This method could be used for future large-scale testing of the gut contents of hornet nests, in order to provide a greater insight into the foraging behaviour of this predator across Europe and elsewhere.
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Zhang S, Leu YC, Chou HH, Liao CP, Piorkowski D, Tso IM. Two coinhabitants visually lure prey to host territory through a shared conspicuous trait. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Lüddecke T, von Reumont BM, Förster F, Billion A, Timm T, Lochnit G, Vilcinskas A, Lemke S. An Economic Dilemma Between Molecular Weapon Systems May Explain an Arachno-atypical Venom in Wasp Spiders ( Argiope bruennichi). Biomolecules 2020; 10:E978. [PMID: 32630016 PMCID: PMC7407881 DOI: 10.3390/biom10070978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders use venom to subdue their prey, but little is known about the diversity of venoms in different spider families. Given the limited data available for orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae), we selected the wasp spider Argiope bruennichi for detailed analysis. Our strategy combined a transcriptomics pipeline based on multiple assemblies with a dual proteomics workflow involving parallel mass spectrometry techniques and electrophoretic profiling. We found that the remarkably simple venom of A. bruennichi has an atypical composition compared to other spider venoms, prominently featuring members of the cysteine-rich secretory protein, antigen 5 and pathogenesis-related protein 1 (CAP) superfamily and other, mostly high-molecular-weight proteins. We also detected a subset of potentially novel toxins similar to neuropeptides. We discuss the potential function of these proteins in the context of the unique hunting behavior of wasp spiders, which rely mostly on silk to trap their prey. We propose that the simplicity of the venom evolved to solve an economic dilemma between two competing yet metabolically expensive weapon systems. This study emphasizes the importance of cutting-edge methods to encompass the lineages of smaller venomous species that have yet to be characterized in detail, allowing us to understand the biology of their venom systems and to mine this prolific resource for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lüddecke
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (A.B.); (A.V.)
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (B.M.v.R.); (S.L.)
| | - Björn M. von Reumont
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (B.M.v.R.); (S.L.)
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Frank Förster
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, 35392 Gießen, Germany;
| | - André Billion
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (A.B.); (A.V.)
| | - Thomas Timm
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Friedrichstr. 24, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (T.T.); (G.L.)
| | - Günter Lochnit
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Friedrichstr. 24, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (T.T.); (G.L.)
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (A.B.); (A.V.)
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (B.M.v.R.); (S.L.)
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Sarah Lemke
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (B.M.v.R.); (S.L.)
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany
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Rodríguez-Gironés MA, Maldonado M. Detectable but unseen: imperfect crypsis protects crab spiders from predators. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Abstract
Lures are deceptive strategies that exploit sensory biases in prey, usually mimicking a prey’s mate or food item. Several predators exploit plant–pollinator systems, where visual signals are an essential part of interspecific interactions. Many diurnal, and even nocturnal, orb-web spiders present conspicuous body coloration or bright color patches. These bright colors are regarded as color-based lures that exploit biases present in insect visual systems, possibly mimicking flower colors. The prey attraction hypothesis was proposed more than 20 years ago to explain orb-web spider coloration. Although most data gathered so far has corroborated the predictions of the prey attraction hypothesis, there are several studies that refute these predictions. We conducted a multilevel phylogenetic meta-analysis to assess the magnitude of the effect of conspicuous orb-web spider body coloration on prey attraction. We found a positive effect in favor of the prey attraction hypothesis; however, there was substantial heterogeneity between studies. Experimental designs comparing conspicuous spiders to painted spiders or empty webs did not explain between-studies heterogeneity. The lack of theoretical explanation behind the prey attraction hypothesis makes it challenging to address which components influence prey attraction. Future studies could evaluate whether color is part of a multicomponent signal and test alternative hypotheses for the evolution of spider colors, such as predator avoidance and thermoregulation.
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Liao H, Liao C, Blamires SJ, Tso I. Multifunctionality of an arthropod predator’s body coloration. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hsien‐Chun Liao
- Department of Life Science Tunghai University Taichung Taiwan
| | - Chen‐Pan Liao
- Department of Life Science Tunghai University Taichung Taiwan
- Department of Biology National Museum of Natural Science Taichung Taiwan
| | - Sean J. Blamires
- Department of Life Science Tunghai University Taichung Taiwan
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales
| | - I‐Min Tso
- Department of Life Science Tunghai University Taichung Taiwan
- Center for Tropical Ecology and Biodiversity Tunghai University Taichung Taiwan
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Ameri M, Kemp DJ, Barry KL, Herberstein ME. Predatory chemical cues decrease attack time and increase metabolic rate in an orb-web spider. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.212738. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.212738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Animals are able to assess the risk of predation and respond accordingly via behavioural and physiological changes. Web-building spiders are in the unique situation where they reside in the middle of their web and are therefore relatively exposed to predators. Thus, these spiders might moderate either their web-building behaviour or their behaviour on the web when exposed to the threat of predation. In this study, we experimentally explored how predatory chemical cues influence foraging behaviour and metabolic rate in female of the orb-web spider, Argiope keyserlingi. We found that female spiders restricted their foraging time budget when exposed to the predatory cues from a praying mantid: they responded 11 percent and 17 percent quicker to a vibratory stimulus compare to control and non-predator cues, respectively, and spent less time handling the prey. Moreover, spiders were less likely to rebuild the web under predatory cues. Female A. keyserlingi exposed to the praying mantid cue significantly elevated their metabolic rate compared to the control group. Our findings revealed short-term modifications over two weeks of the trials in foraging behaviour and physiology of female spiders in response to predator cues. This study suggests that under predator cues the spiders move quicker and this could be facilitated by elevation in metabolic rate. Reduced foraging activity and less frequent web repair/rebuilding would also reduce the spiders’ exposure to praying mantid predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ameri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Darrell J. Kemp
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Katherine L. Barry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Marie E. Herberstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Gálvez D, Añino Y, De la O JM. Age variation in the body coloration of the orb-weaver spider Alpaida tuonabo and its implications on foraging. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3599. [PMID: 29483535 PMCID: PMC5827658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21971-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders show a repertoire of strategies to increase their foraging success. In particular, some orb-weaver spiders use attractive body colorations to lure prey. Interestingly, coloration varies with age in many species, which may result in ontogenetic variation of foraging success. By using field observations, laboratory experiments and spectrophotometric analysis, we investigated whether pale juveniles and bright adults of the orb-weaver Alpaida tuonabo use different foraging strategies due to ontogenetic variation in coloration. Field observations revealed that foraging success of juveniles and adults was influenced by web properties. However, foraging success increased with body size only in adults, supporting the idea that larger individuals produce a stronger visual signal for prey. The attractiveness of the adult coloration for prey was confirmed in the laboratory with frame-web-choice experiments, in which webs bearing a spider intercepted more bees than empty webs. Our spectrophotometric analysis suggests that the yellow coloration may produce the deceiving signal for prey. Moreover, we identified potential alternative foraging strategies: cryptic juveniles at higher heights and 'attractive' adults at lower heights. This study reveals how ontogenetic colour variation may favour the use of alternative foraging strategies in orb-weaver spiders and reduces intraspecific competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumas Gálvez
- INDICASAT AIP Building 219, City of Knowledge, Clayton, Panama, POBox 0843-01103, Ciudad del Saber, Panama. .,Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad de Panamá, Avenida Simón Bolívar, 0824, Panama. .,Sistema Nacional de Investigación, Senacyt, Panama.
| | - Yostin Añino
- Museo de Invertebrados G. B. Fairchild, Universidad de Panamá, Balboa, Panama
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11
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Henneken J, Goodger JQ, Jones TM, Elgar MA. The potential role of web-based putrescine as a prey-attracting allomone. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Ajuria-Ibarra H, Tapia-McClung H, Rao D. Mapping the variation in spider body colouration from an insect perspective. Evol Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-017-9904-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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13
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Females are the brighter sex: Differences in external fluorescence across sexes and life stages of a crab spider. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175667. [PMID: 28467416 PMCID: PMC5414973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence is increasingly recognized to be widespread in nature. In particular, some arachnids fluoresce externally, and in spiders the hemolymph fluoresces. In this study, we examined the external fluorescence and the fluorophores of different sexes and life stages of the crab spider Misumena vatia (Clerk 1757), a sit-and-wait predator that feeds on insects as they visit flowers. We designed novel instrumentation to measure external fluorescence in whole specimens. We found that although males and females possess internal fluorophores with similar properties, the external expression of fluorescence varies across sexes and life stages. Spiders fluoresce brightly as immatures. Females maintain their brightness to adulthood, whereas males become increasingly dim as they mature. We suggest that external fluorescence likely contributes to visual signaling in these animals, and that it differs between the sexes as a result of differences in foraging ecology and behavior.
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14
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Abstract
The view that orb webs are imperceptible traps has changed since it was discovered that some spiders possess body colorations or web designs that are attractive to prey. Spiders of the genera Argiope and Nephila exemplify both cases and are able to adjust their webs to increase foraging success. In this study, I compared the foraging strategies of A. submanorica and N. clavipes as they foraged on the same natural prey (stingless bees). Argiope submanorica adds UV-reflective decorations while N. clavipes builds non-UV-reflective golden webs. Based on studies that suggest a lack of niche separation between these two species, the objective of this study was to test whether this hypothesis holds when the spiders are competing for a limited resource. In addition, I investigated whether the colorations of the spiders influence their foraging success. The golden webs of N. clavipes intercepted more bees than the decorated webs of A. submanorica, suggesting that some type of niche separation must occur in nature, as otherwise competition would lead to the local extinction of A. submanorica. These differences in foraging success, leading to its ability to outcompete other spider species exploiting the same resource, could explain in part the abundance and distribution of the N. clavipes on the American continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumas Gálvez
- INDICASAT-AIP, Building 219, City of Knowledge, Clayton, Panama, Rep. of Panama, P.O. Box 0843-01103, Panama 5
- Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad de Panamá, Avenida Simón Bolívar, 0824 Panama
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15
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White TE, Dalrymple RL, Herberstein ME, Kemp DJ. The perceptual similarity of orb-spider prey lures and flower colours. Evol Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-016-9876-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Gan W, Liu S, Yang X, Li D, Lei C. Prey interception drives web invasion and spider size determines successful web takeover in nocturnal orb-web spiders. Biol Open 2015; 4:1326-9. [PMID: 26405048 PMCID: PMC4610219 DOI: 10.1242/bio.012799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A striking feature of web-building spiders is the use of silk to make webs, mainly for prey capture. However, building a web is energetically expensive and increases the risk of predation. To reduce such costs and still have access to abundant prey, some web-building spiders have evolved web invasion behaviour. In general, no consistent patterns of web invasion have emerged and the factors determining web invasion remain largely unexplored. Here we report web invasion among conspecifics in seven nocturnal species of orb-web spiders, and examined the factors determining the probability of webs that could be invaded and taken over by conspecifics. About 36% of webs were invaded by conspecifics, and 25% of invaded webs were taken over by the invaders. A web that was built higher and intercepted more prey was more likely to be invaded. Once a web was invaded, the smaller the size of the resident spider, the more likely its web would be taken over by the invader. This study suggests that web invasion, as a possible way of reducing costs, may be widespread in nocturnal orb-web spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjin Gan
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Shengjie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Daiqin Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 1117543, Singapore
| | - Chaoliang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
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Nakata K, Shigemiya Y. Body-colour variation in an orb-web spider and its effect on predation success. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Nakata
- Tokyo Keizai University; Minami-cho, 1-7-34 Kokubunji Tokyo 185-8502 Japan
- Kyoto Women's University; Kitahiyoshi-cho 35 Higashiyama-ku Kyoto 605-8501 Japan
| | - Yusuke Shigemiya
- Faculty of Environment and Architecture; Nagasaki Institute for Applied Science; Abamachi 536 Nagasaki 851-0193 Japan
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Rao D, Castañeda-Barbosa E, Nuñez-Beverido N, Díaz-Fleischer F. Foraging Benefits in a Colour Polymorphic Neotropical Orb Web Spider. Ethology 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Rao
- Inbioteca; Universidad Veracruzana; Xalapa Veracruz México
| | - Ernesto Castañeda-Barbosa
- Inbioteca; Universidad Veracruzana; Xalapa Veracruz México
- Dirección de Medio Ambiente y Ecología; H. Ayuntamiento Municipal; Tehuacán Mexico
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Ajuria Ibarra H, Reader T. Female-limited colour polymorphism in the crab spiderSynema globosum(Araneae: Thomisidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ajuria Ibarra
- School of Life Sciences; University Park; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Tom Reader
- School of Life Sciences; University Park; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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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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Ajuria Ibarra H, Reader T. Reasons to be different: do conspicuous polymorphisms in invertebrates persist because rare forms are fitter? J Zool (1987) 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - T. Reader
- School of Biology; University of Nottingham; Nottingham UK
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De Serrano AR, Weadick CJ, Price AC, Rodd FH. Seeing orange: prawns tap into a pre-existing sensory bias of the Trinidadian guppy. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:3321-8. [PMID: 22593111 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.0633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory bias, a predisposition towards certain signals, has been implicated in the origin of mate preferences in some species. A risk associated with these biases is that they can be co-opted by predators as sensory lures. Here we propose that the orange spots on the brown pincers of a diurnal, predatory species of prawn function as lures for Trinidadian guppies, which have a sensory bias for orange. We exposed female guppies to (i) a life-like model of this Trinidadian prawn with orange, green or no spots on the pincers or (ii) a live, novel (non-Trinidadian) crustacean (crayfish), also with spotted pincers. First, we provide evidence that guppies sympatric with the prawn recognized our model as a potential predator. Next, we found that guppies spent more time in the dangerous head region of the model prawn with orange-spotted pincers compared with unspotted pincers. Finally, we show that allopatric, but not sympatric, guppies spent more time in the vicinity of the head of a live crayfish when orange spots were added to its pincers than when brown spots were added. Our results suggest that the orange spots on prawn pincers can act as a sensory lure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R De Serrano
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, M5S 3G5
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Gawryszewski F, Motta P. Colouration of the orb-web spiderGasteracantha cancriformisdoes not increase its foraging success. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2011.582044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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28
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Blamires SJ, Lai CH, Cheng RC, Liao CP, Shen PS, Tso IM. Body spot coloration of a nocturnal sit-and-wait predator visually lures prey. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arr152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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29
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To be or not to be conspicuous: the effects of prey availability and predator risk on spider's web decoration building. Anim Behav 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2009.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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30
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31
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Chiao CC, Wu WY, Chen SH, Yang EC. Visualization of the spatial and spectral signals of orb-weaving spiders, Nephila pilipes, through the eyes of a honeybee. J Exp Biol 2009; 212:2269-78. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.030734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
It is well known that the honeybee has good color vision. However, the spectral range in which the bee can see is different from that of the human eye. To study how bees view their world of colors, one has to see through the eyes of the bee, not the eyes of a human. A conventional way to examine the color signals that animals can detect is to measure the surface reflectance spectra and compute the quantum catches of each photoreceptor type based on its known spectral sensitivity. Color signal and color contrast are then determined from the loci of these quantum catches in the color space. While the point-by-point measurements of the reflectance spectra using a standard spectrometer have yielded a significant amount of data for analyzing color signals, the lack of spatial information and low sampling efficiency constrain their applications. Using a special filter coating technique, a set of filters with transmission spectra that were closely matched to the bee's sensitivity spectra of three photoreceptor types (UV, blue, and green) was custom made. By placing these filters in front of a UV/VIS-sensitive CCD camera and acquiring images sequentially, we could collect images of a bee's receptor with only three shots. This allowed a direct visualization of how bees view their world in a pseudo-color RGB display. With this imaging system, spatial and spectral signals of the orb-weaving spider, Nephila pilipes, were recorded,and color contrast images corresponding to the bee's spatial resolution were constructed and analyzed. The result not only confirmed that the color markings of N. pilipes are of high chromatic contrast to the eyes of a bee, but it also indicated that the spatial arrangement of these markings resemble flower patterns which may attract bees to visit them. Thus, it is likely that the orb-weaving spider (N. pilipes) deploys a similar strategy to that of the Australian crab spider (Thomisus spectabilis)to exploit the bee's pre-existing preference for flowers with color patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Chin Chiao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yen Wu
- Department of Entomology, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung,Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hui Chen
- Department of Optics and Photonics, National Central University, Taoyuan,Taiwan
| | - En-Cheng Yang
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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32
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Ings TC, Chittka L. Predator crypsis enhances behaviourally mediated indirect effects on plants by altering bumblebee foraging preferences. Proc Biol Sci 2009; 276:2031-6. [PMID: 19324797 PMCID: PMC2677241 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2008.1748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2008] [Accepted: 02/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Predators of pollinators can influence pollination services and plant fitness via both consumptive (reducing pollinator density) and non-consumptive (altering pollinator behaviour) effects. However, a better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying behaviourally mediated indirect effects of predators is necessary to properly understand their role in community dynamics. We used the tripartite relationship between bumblebees, predatory crab spiders and flowers to ask whether behaviourally mediated effects are localized to flowers harbouring predators, or whether bees extend their avoidance to entire plant species. In a tightly controlled laboratory environment, bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) were exposed to a random mixture of equally rewarding yellow and white artificial flowers, but foraging on yellow flowers was very risky: bees had a 25 per cent chance of receiving a simulated predation attempt by 'robotic' crab spiders. As bees learnt to avoid 'dangerous' flowers, their foraging preferences changed and they began to visit fewer yellow flowers than expected by chance. Bees avoided spider-free yellow flowers as well as dangerous yellow flowers when spiders were more difficult to detect (the colour of yellow spiders was indistinguishable from that of yellow flowers). Therefore, this interaction between bee learning and predator crypsis could lead flower species harbouring cryptic predators to suffer from reduced reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Ings
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK.
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33
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Fan CM, Yang EC, Tso IM. Hunting efficiency and predation risk shapes the color-associated foraging traits of a predator. Behav Ecol 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arp064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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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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