Twenty-four new spider species of the family Dictynidae from caves of Guangxi and Guizhou in southern China are described, accompanied by line drawings and photomicroscopy images. Fifteen of them belong to Brommella T...Twenty-four new spider species of the family Dictynidae from caves of Guangxi and Guizhou in southern China are described, accompanied by line drawings and photomicroscopy images. Fifteen of them belong to Brommella Tullgren, 1948： B. baiseensis Li, sp. nov., B. casseabri Li, sp. nov., B. chongzuoensis Li, sp. nov., B. dolabrata Li, sp. nov., B. funaria Li, sp. nov., B. josephkohi Li, sp. nov., B. linyuchengi Li, sp. nov., B. renguodongi Li, sp. nov., B. resima Li, sp. nov., B. sejuncta Li, sp. nov., B. spirula Li, sp. nov., B. tongyanfengi Li, sp. nov., B. wangfengcheni Li, sp. nov,, B. xinganensis Li, sp. nov. and B. yizhouensis Li, sp. nov.; eight to Cicurina Menge, 1871： C. avicularia Li, sp. nov., C. damaoensis Li, sp. nov., C. dong Li, sp. nov., C. kailiensis Li, sp. nov., C. majiangensis Li, sp. nov., C. parallela Li, sp. nov., C. wusanani Li, sp. nov., and C. zhazuweii Li, sp. nov.; one to Lathys Simon, 1884： L. inaffecta Li, sp. nov. Types of all new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing （IZCAS）.展开更多
Mate choice copying-when individuals learn to prefer mates or mate types that have been chosen by others-can influence trait evo-lution and speciation(Varela et al.2018;Dion et al.2019).Most examples of mate choice co...Mate choice copying-when individuals learn to prefer mates or mate types that have been chosen by others-can influence trait evo-lution and speciation(Varela et al.2018;Dion et al.2019).Most examples of mate choice copying are from fish,birds,and mammals including humans(Varela et al.2018).However,2 invertebrate examples-fruit flies and wolf spiders-have been used to argue that the phenomenon may be phylogenetically widespread,and perhaps the rule rather than the exception in nature(Varela et al.2018).Here,we revisit the evidence for mate choice copying in wolf spiders(Fowler-Fimn et al.2015)in light of new data(Gilman et al.2018).Then,we discuss why mate choice copying is a phenomenon that is likely to occur in wolf spiders,and why this deserves attention.展开更多
Spiders are among the most varied terrestrial predators,with highly diverse morphology,ecology,and behavior.Morphological and molecular data have greatly contributed to advances in the phylogeny and evolutionary dynam...Spiders are among the most varied terrestrial predators,with highly diverse morphology,ecology,and behavior.Morphological and molecular data have greatly contributed to advances in the phylogeny and evolutionary dynamics of spiders.Here,we performed comprehensive mitochondrial phylogenomics analysis on 78 mitochondrial genomes(mitogenomes)representing 29 families;of these,23 species from eight families were newly generated.Mesothelae retained the same gene arrangement as the arthropod ancestor(Limulus polyphemus),while Opisthothelae showed extensive rearrangement,with 12 rearrangement types in transfer RNAs(tRNAs)and control region.Most spider tRNAs were extremely truncated and lacked typical dihydrouridine or TΨC arms,showing high tRNA structural diversity;in particular,trnS1 exhibited anticodon diversity across the phylogeny.The evolutionary rates of mitochondrial genes were potentially associated with gene rearrangement or truncated tRNAs.Both mitogenomic sequences and rearrangements possessed phylogenetic characteristics,providing a robust backbone for spider phylogeny,as previously reported.The monophyly of suborder,infraorder,retrolateral tibial apophysis clade,and families(except for Pisauridae)was separately supported,and high-level relationships were resolved as(Mesothelae,(Mygalomorphae,(Entelegynae,(Synspermiata,Hypochilidae)))).The phylogenetic positions of several families were also resolved(e.g.,Eresidae,Oecobiidae and Titanoecidae).Two reconstructions of ancestral web type obtained almost identical results,indicating that the common ancestor of spiders likely foraged using a silk-lined burrow.This study,the largest mitochondrial phylogenomics analysis of spiders to date,highlights the usefulness of mitogenomic data not only for providing efficient phylogenetic signals for spider phylogeny,but also for characterizing trait diversification in spider evolution.展开更多
The prey-seeking behavior of three spiders (X1-Pirata subpiraticus, X2-Clubiona japonicola and X3-Tetragnatha japonica) for brown plant hopper (X4-Nilaparvata lugens) and rice spittle bug (X5-Cal-litettix versicolor) ...The prey-seeking behavior of three spiders (X1-Pirata subpiraticus, X2-Clubiona japonicola and X3-Tetragnatha japonica) for brown plant hopper (X4-Nilaparvata lugens) and rice spittle bug (X5-Cal-litettix versicolor) was investigated, as well as how interference between and within species occurred, by using a quadratic regression rotational composite design. Six predation models derived from the analysis of interactions among and within predators and preys were developed. The total predatory capacity of spiders on rice insect pests after coexistence for one day can be expressed as follows: Y3 = 32.795 + 2.25X1 + 1.083X2 + 0.5X3 + 10.167X4 + 3.167X5 - 1.67X12 - 2.42X22 - 3.295X32 - 0.045X42 + 0.455X52 - 3.125X1X2 + 0.375X1X3 -0.625X1X4 - 0.375X1X5 + 0.375X2X3 - 0.875X2X4 + 0.125X2X5 + 0.375X3X4 - 0.375X3X5 + 0.125X4X5. The principal efficiency analysis using this model indicated that increases in insect pest density significantly increased predation by predators; this was much greater than the effect of any single predator. X4 had a greater effect than X5; however, X4 and X5 demonstrated little interspecific interference and even promoted each other and increased predation rates as the densities of the two pests increased. Among the three predators, an increase in the density of X, had the greatest effect on the increase in predation, X3 had the second, X2 the third greatest effect. As predator density increased inter- and intra-species interference occurred, which were largely related to the size, activity, niche breadth, niche overlap and searching efficiency of the predators. X2 produced the greatest interference between different individuals and between any other predator species. X3 had the second greatest, which reduced predation levels at high predator densities. Because of these factors, the highest predation rate was obtained at a prey density of 120 per 4 rice-hills. The optimal proportion of the three predators in the multi-predator prey system was X1: X2: X3 = 5.6:1.3:4.1.展开更多
A systematic investigation on spiders in a tea garden of Guilin Institute of Tea Sciences was conducted. The results showed that totally 687 specimens were collected, belonging to 34 species, 27genera, 14 families, 2 ...A systematic investigation on spiders in a tea garden of Guilin Institute of Tea Sciences was conducted. The results showed that totally 687 specimens were collected, belonging to 34 species, 27genera, 14 families, 2 suborders, and a new record species Trochosa suiningensis in Guangxi was found. Spider is a ma- jor developing natural enemy group of insect pests in tea garden, with features of wide distribution, large quantity, long duration, strong predatory and stress resist- ance, which has strong predation on adults and nymphs of Empoasca vitis and young larvae of Ectropis oblique. The population of spiders in tea garden significantly increases after middle June, and reaches the peak in July and August every year.展开更多
Distribution of horizontal boom produced droplets downwards into maize canopies at flowering period and its effects on the efficacies of emamectin benzoate, lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorantraniliprole against the secon...Distribution of horizontal boom produced droplets downwards into maize canopies at flowering period and its effects on the efficacies of emamectin benzoate, lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorantraniliprole against the second generation of Asian corn borer （ACB） larvae and their toxicity to spiders were studied. When insecticides were sprayed downwards into the maize canopies, randomly filtering out droplets by upper leaves led to great variations of droplet coverage and density within the canopies. Consequently, the efficacies of lambda-cyhalothrin and emamectin benzoate against ACB larvae were decreased because of randomly filtering out droplets by upper leaves. But field investigation showed that lambda-cyhalothrin was extremely toxic to hunting spiders, Xysticus ephippiatus, and not suitable to IPM programs in regulation of the second generation of ACB. Therefore, randomly filtering out droplets by upper leaves decreased lambda-cyhalothrin＇s efficacy against ACB larvae, but did little to decrease its toxicity to X. ephippiatus. Amamectin benzoate can reduce the populations of X. ephippiatus by 58.1-61.4%, but the populations can recover at the end of the experiment. Chlorantraniliprole was relatively safe to X. ephippiatus. It only reduced the populations of X. ephippiatus by 22.3-33.0%, and the populations can totally recover 9 d after application.展开更多
In dry attachment systems of spiders and geckos, van der Waals forces mediate attraction between substrate and animal tarsus. In particular, the scopula of Evarcha arcuata spiders allows for reversible attachment and ...In dry attachment systems of spiders and geckos, van der Waals forces mediate attraction between substrate and animal tarsus. In particular, the scopula of Evarcha arcuata spiders allows for reversible attachment and easy detachment to a broad range of surfaces. Hence, reproducing the scopula's roughness compatibility while maintaining anti-bunching features and dirt particle repellence behavior is a central task for a biomimetic transfer to an engineered model. In the present work we model the scopula of E. arcuata from a mechano-elastic point of view analyzing the influence of its hierarchical structure on the attachment behavior. By considering biological data of the gecko and spider, and the simulation results, the adhesive capabilities of the two animals are compared and important confirmations and new directives in order to reproduce the overall structure are found. Moreover, a possible suggestion of how the spider detaches in an easy and fast manner is proposed and supported by the results.展开更多
Non-crop habitats have been suggested to impact local biodiversity significantly in agricultural landscapes. However, there have been few studies of the effects of less-focused non-crop habitats(orchard, wetland, pit ...Non-crop habitats have been suggested to impact local biodiversity significantly in agricultural landscapes. However, there have been few studies of the effects of less-focused non-crop habitats(orchard, wetland, pit and ditch) on variation of spider abundance. In this study, spiders in 30 woodlands were captured using pitfall traps in Fengqiu County, China, and the effects of local and landscape variations at different scales(50 m, 100 m, 200 m, 350 m and 500 m) on spider abundance were analysed. The most important variation that influenced spider abundance at the 500 m scale was the less-focused non-crop habitat(LNH) cover, and 10% was an appropriate proportion of LNH cover to sustain high level of spider diversity in the investigated landscape. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analyses revealed that there were significant differences in the spider composition among the high, medium and low LNH coverage. Based on indicator species analysis, different spider species were associated with landscapes with different levels of LNH cover. Lycosidae, which accounted for 48% of the total specimens, preferred woodland habitats neighbouring areas with high LNH cover. Compared with woodland habitats, LNH provided more diverse food sources and habitat to sustain more spider species in the study area. Furthermore, linear elements composed of vegetation, such as pits and ditches, may prevent agricultural intensification by enhancing landscape connectivity and providing habitats for different spiders. Our findings may provide a theoretical basis for biodiversity conservation in agro-ecosystems and top-down control of pests.展开更多
Camouflage is one of the most widespread and powerful strategies that animals use to make detection/recognition more difficult. Many orb-web spiders of the genus Cyclosa add prey remains, plant debris, moults, and/or ...Camouflage is one of the most widespread and powerful strategies that animals use to make detection/recognition more difficult. Many orb-web spiders of the genus Cyclosa add prey remains, plant debris, moults, and/or eggsacs to their webs called web decorations. Web decorations resembling spider body colour pattern have been considered to camouflage the spider from predators. While this camouflage is obvious from a human＇s perspective, it has rarely been investigated from a predator＇s perspective. In this study, we tested the visibility of web decorations by calculating chromatic and achromatic contrasts of detritus and eggsae decorations built by Cyclosa octotubereulata, against four different backgrounds viewed by both bird （e.g., blue tits） and hymenopteran （e.g. wasps） predators. We showed that both juvenile and adult spiders on webs with detritus or egg-sac deco- rations were undetectable by both hymenopteran and bird predators over short and long distances. Our results thus suggest that decorating webs with detritus or eggsacs by C octotuberculata may camouflage the spiders from both hymenopteran and bird predators in their common habitats [Current Zoology 56 （3）： 379-387, 2010].展开更多
Ecological and evolutionary studies on spiders have been featured prominently throughout the contemporary behavio- ral syndromes movement. Here we review the behavioral syndromes literature devoted to spiders, and ide...Ecological and evolutionary studies on spiders have been featured prominently throughout the contemporary behavio- ral syndromes movement. Here we review the behavioral syndromes literature devoted to spiders, and identify some ways in which behavioral syndromes can impact the function of spiders in ecological communities. We further highlight three general themes within the behavioral syndromes literature for which spiders have served as front running model systems： （1） how trait correlations beget performance trade-offs, （2） the influence that behavioral trait variants have on interspecific interactions and （3） mechanisms that aid in maintaining behavioral variation within-and among-populations. Research on behavioral syndromes con-tinues to grow at an impressive rate, and we feel the success of behavioral syndromes studies in spiders bodes well for their con-tinued prominence.展开更多
Although widely thought to be aggressive, solitary,and potentially cannibalistic, some spider species have evolved group-living behaviors. The distinct transition provides the framework to uncover groupliving evolutio...Although widely thought to be aggressive, solitary,and potentially cannibalistic, some spider species have evolved group-living behaviors. The distinct transition provides the framework to uncover groupliving evolution. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic study and examined patterns of molecular evolution in two independently evolved group-living spiders and twelve solitary species. We report that positively selected genes among groupliving spider lineages are significantly enriched in nutrient metabolism and autophagy pathways. We also show that nutrient-related genes of group-living spiders convergently experience amino acid substitutions and accelerated relative evolutionary rates. These results indicate adaptive convergence of nutrient metabolism that may ensure energy supply in group-living spiders. The decelerated evolutionary rate of autophagy-related genes in group-living lineages is consistent with an increased constraint on energy homeostasis as would be required in a group-living environment. Together, the results show that energy metabolic pathways play an important role in the transition to group-living in spiders.展开更多
To understand communication, the interests of the sender and the receiver/s of signals should be considered sepa-rately. When our goal is to understand the adaptive significance of specific responses to specific signa...To understand communication, the interests of the sender and the receiver/s of signals should be considered sepa-rately. When our goal is to understand the adaptive significance of specific responses to specific signals by the receiver, questions about signal information are useful. However, when our goal is to understand the adaptive significance to the sender of generating a signal, it may be better to envisage the receiver＇s response to signals as part of the sender＇s extended phenotype. By making signals, a sender interfaces with the receiver＇s model of the world and indirectly manipulates its behaviour. This is especially clear in cases of mimicry, where animals use deceptive signals that indirectly manipulate the behaviour of receivers. Many animals adopt Batesian mimicry to deceive their predators, or aggressive mimicry to deceive their prey. We review examples from the lite-rature on spiders to illustrate how these phenomena, traditionally thought of as distinct, can become entangled in a web of lies .展开更多
Orb-web spiders and their webs constitute an ideal model system in which to study behavioural flexibility and spatial cognition in invertebrates due to the easily quantifiable nature of the orb web. A large number of ...Orb-web spiders and their webs constitute an ideal model system in which to study behavioural flexibility and spatial cognition in invertebrates due to the easily quantifiable nature of the orb web. A large number of studies demonstrate how spiders are able to modify the geometry of their webs in response to a range of different conditions including the ability to adapt their webs to spatial constraints. However, the mechanisms behind this impressive web-building flexibility in these cognitively limited animals remain poorly explored. One possible mechanism though may be spatial learning during the spiders＇ exploration of their immediate surroundings. This review discusses the importance of exploration behaviour, the reliance on simple behavioural rules, and the use of already laid threads as guidelines for web-building in orb-web spiders. The focus is on the spiders＇ ability to detect and adapt their webs to space limitations and other spatial disruptions. I will also review the few published studies on how spatial information is gathered during the exploration phase and discuss the possibility of the use of ＇cognitive map＇-like processes in spiders. Finally, the review provides suggestions for designing experimental studies to shed light on whether spiders gather metric information during the site exploration （cognitive map hypothesis） or rely on more simple binary information in combination with previously laid threads to build their webs （stigmergy hypothesis）.展开更多
Much of an animal＇s health status, life history, and behavior are dictated by interactions with its endogenous and exogenous bacterial communities. Unfortunately, interactions between hosts and members of their resid...Much of an animal＇s health status, life history, and behavior are dictated by interactions with its endogenous and exogenous bacterial communities. Unfortunately, interactions between hosts and members of their resident bacterial community are often ignored in animal behavior and behavioral ecology. Here, we aim to identify the nature of host-microbe interactions in a nonmodel organism, the African social spider Stegodyphus dumicola. We collected and identified bacteria from the cuticles of spiders in situ and then exposed spiders to bacterial monocultures cultures via topical application or injection. We also topically inoculated spiders with a concomitant ＂cocktail＂ of bacteria and measured the behavior of spiders daily for 24 days after inoculation. Lastly, we collected and identified bacteria from the cuticles of prey items in the capture webs of spiders, and then fed spiders domestic crickets which had been injected with these bacteria. We also injected 1 species of prey-borne bacteria into the hemolymph of spiders. Only Bacillus thuringiensis caused increased mortality when injected into the hemolymph of spiders, whereas no bacterial monocultures caused increased mortality when applied topically, relative to control solutions. However, a bacterial cocktail of cuticular bacteria caused weight loss and mortality when applied topically, yet did not detectibly alter spider behavior. Consuming prey injected with prey-borne bacteria was associated with an elongated lifespan in spiders. Thus, indirect evidence from multiple experiments suggests that the effects of these bacteria on spider survivorship appear contingent on their mode of colonization and whether they are applied in monoculture or within a mixed cocktail. We urge that follow-up studies should test these host-microbe interactions across different social contexts to determine the role that microbes play in colony performance.展开更多
Distinction of predator＇s diet and prey choice preference is a hot topic of current investigations. Spider being generalist predator and cosmopoliter in nature acts as biological control agent in many agro-ecosystems...Distinction of predator＇s diet and prey choice preference is a hot topic of current investigations. Spider being generalist predator and cosmopoliter in nature acts as biological control agent in many agro-ecosystems. In the current study, predatory efficacy of five spiders （Pardosa birmanica, Cyclosa insulana, Thomisus projectus, Plexippus paykulli and Lycosa terrestris） inhabiting the cotton fieldevaluated in the laboratory conditions maintained at （27＋2）℃ temperature, 65%-5% relative humidity and 12 ： 12 h of light and dark photoperiod. Four key cotton pests＇ viz. Bemisiatabaci, Amrascaderastans Thripstabaci and Helicoverpa armigera were utilized in the choice and no-choice predatory studies. The findings of current investigation revealed that each predatory spider utilized at least one pest species. Predation rate was found higher in the no-choice predation because of unavailability of substitutes feeding source. The investigation also indicated each predatory spider killed more pests than consumed. The findings of this study support the predatory role of spiders in controlling the cotton major pests.展开更多
Sexual conflict is common in animals,and female sexual cannibalism represents an extreme form of sexual conflict.Males in many species have evolved a variety of strategies to circumvent or decrease the risk of female ...Sexual conflict is common in animals,and female sexual cannibalism represents an extreme form of sexual conflict.Males in many species have evolved a variety of strategies to circumvent or decrease the risk of female sexual cannibalism.Opportunistic mating,by which a male mates with a female when she is disturbed or when she is feeding or undertaking moulting,is one of such kinds of strategies,and widely occurs in many animals,especially in spiders.However,whether the occurrence of male opportunistic mating depends on the intensity of female sexual cannibalism remains largely unexplored.We predicted a positive correlation between them.In this study,we tested this prediction by performing a series of mating trials in the laboratory using 3 species of web-building spiders with different intensities of female sexual cannibalism:Nephila pilipes,Nephilengys malabarensis,and Parasteatoda tepidariorum.We found that the occurrence of male opportunistic mating was positively,though not statistically significantly,correlated with the intensity of female sexual cannibalism,thus supporting our hypothesis.All together,we provide evidence that male opportunistic mating may have evolved to respond to the selection pressure posed by female sexual cannibalism.展开更多
The spider resources in tea plantations in Enshi region have been investigated and 51 species of spiders belonging to 22 families have been identified in the paper. The dominant species are clarified and their directo...The spider resources in tea plantations in Enshi region have been investigated and 51 species of spiders belonging to 22 families have been identified in the paper. The dominant species are clarified and their directory and distribution status are also listed in the paper.展开更多
The study of diversity and distribution of spiders was carried out at Obafemi Awolowo University, Southwestern Nigeria, in wet and dry seasons between October 2012 and April 2014. Spiders were collected from five diff...The study of diversity and distribution of spiders was carried out at Obafemi Awolowo University, Southwestern Nigeria, in wet and dry seasons between October 2012 and April 2014. Spiders were collected from five different sampling sites in the study area: cultivated land, open field, hill area, house dwelling and aquatic habitat. We found 1824 individuals belonging to 19 different spider families in the study area. 9 families of spiders were present in the hill habitat;12 families of spiders were present in the open field habitat;6 families of spiders were present in house habitat;9 families of spider were present in aquatic habitat. All the 19 families of spiders were present in cultivated habitat. Therefore, cultivated habitat hosted the largest number of spider families in the area of study while house dwellers hosted the least number of spider families. Spiders are evenly distributed among the five habitats in this study and the fifth habitat, teaching and research farm representing cultivated area has the highest distribution of spider species. All the species recorded in Southwestern Nigeria were found in this habitat. In conclusion, 19 different spider families are recorded in Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, during this study. These have enriched the collection of spider in Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Southwestern Nigeria.展开更多
Based on the collections of the Field Museum of Natural History,a new species of the monotypic genus Martensikara Jäger,2021 from Madagascar(Ma.quadrituberculata sp.nov.)and a new species of the monotypic genus M...Based on the collections of the Field Museum of Natural History,a new species of the monotypic genus Martensikara Jäger,2021 from Madagascar(Ma.quadrituberculata sp.nov.)and a new species of the monotypic genus Micropoda Grall&Jäger,2022 from Papua New Guinea(Mi.bigyrus sp.nov.)are reported.Diagnoses,morphological descriptions,illustrations and distribution maps of the two new species are provided.展开更多
A new pholcid spider species,Khorata qunzhen Yao&Liu,sp.nov.,is described from Tianmen Moun-tain,Yangxi Village,Geling Town,Yongtai County,Fuzhou City,Fujian Province.Photographs and distribution map of this speci...A new pholcid spider species,Khorata qunzhen Yao&Liu,sp.nov.,is described from Tianmen Moun-tain,Yangxi Village,Geling Town,Yongtai County,Fuzhou City,Fujian Province.Photographs and distribution map of this species are provided in the present study.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(31471960,31530067)the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute,Chinese Academy of Sciences(2015CASEABRI005,Y4ZK111B01)
文摘Twenty-four new spider species of the family Dictynidae from caves of Guangxi and Guizhou in southern China are described, accompanied by line drawings and photomicroscopy images. Fifteen of them belong to Brommella Tullgren, 1948： B. baiseensis Li, sp. nov., B. casseabri Li, sp. nov., B. chongzuoensis Li, sp. nov., B. dolabrata Li, sp. nov., B. funaria Li, sp. nov., B. josephkohi Li, sp. nov., B. linyuchengi Li, sp. nov., B. renguodongi Li, sp. nov., B. resima Li, sp. nov., B. sejuncta Li, sp. nov., B. spirula Li, sp. nov., B. tongyanfengi Li, sp. nov., B. wangfengcheni Li, sp. nov,, B. xinganensis Li, sp. nov. and B. yizhouensis Li, sp. nov.; eight to Cicurina Menge, 1871： C. avicularia Li, sp. nov., C. damaoensis Li, sp. nov., C. dong Li, sp. nov., C. kailiensis Li, sp. nov., C. majiangensis Li, sp. nov., C. parallela Li, sp. nov., C. wusanani Li, sp. nov., and C. zhazuweii Li, sp. nov.; one to Lathys Simon, 1884： L. inaffecta Li, sp. nov. Types of all new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing （IZCAS）.
基金R.T.G.was partially supported by Natural Environment Research Council(grant no.NE/L002469/1).
文摘Mate choice copying-when individuals learn to prefer mates or mate types that have been chosen by others-can influence trait evo-lution and speciation(Varela et al.2018;Dion et al.2019).Most examples of mate choice copying are from fish,birds,and mammals including humans(Varela et al.2018).However,2 invertebrate examples-fruit flies and wolf spiders-have been used to argue that the phenomenon may be phylogenetically widespread,and perhaps the rule rather than the exception in nature(Varela et al.2018).Here,we revisit the evidence for mate choice copying in wolf spiders(Fowler-Fimn et al.2015)in light of new data(Gilman et al.2018).Then,we discuss why mate choice copying is a phenomenon that is likely to occur in wolf spiders,and why this deserves attention.
基金supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(STEP)Program(2019QZKK0302)Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province(20JR5RA252)Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project of Lanzhou University(20210010020,20210010002)。
文摘Spiders are among the most varied terrestrial predators,with highly diverse morphology,ecology,and behavior.Morphological and molecular data have greatly contributed to advances in the phylogeny and evolutionary dynamics of spiders.Here,we performed comprehensive mitochondrial phylogenomics analysis on 78 mitochondrial genomes(mitogenomes)representing 29 families;of these,23 species from eight families were newly generated.Mesothelae retained the same gene arrangement as the arthropod ancestor(Limulus polyphemus),while Opisthothelae showed extensive rearrangement,with 12 rearrangement types in transfer RNAs(tRNAs)and control region.Most spider tRNAs were extremely truncated and lacked typical dihydrouridine or TΨC arms,showing high tRNA structural diversity;in particular,trnS1 exhibited anticodon diversity across the phylogeny.The evolutionary rates of mitochondrial genes were potentially associated with gene rearrangement or truncated tRNAs.Both mitogenomic sequences and rearrangements possessed phylogenetic characteristics,providing a robust backbone for spider phylogeny,as previously reported.The monophyly of suborder,infraorder,retrolateral tibial apophysis clade,and families(except for Pisauridae)was separately supported,and high-level relationships were resolved as(Mesothelae,(Mygalomorphae,(Entelegynae,(Synspermiata,Hypochilidae)))).The phylogenetic positions of several families were also resolved(e.g.,Eresidae,Oecobiidae and Titanoecidae).Two reconstructions of ancestral web type obtained almost identical results,indicating that the common ancestor of spiders likely foraged using a silk-lined burrow.This study,the largest mitochondrial phylogenomics analysis of spiders to date,highlights the usefulness of mitogenomic data not only for providing efficient phylogenetic signals for spider phylogeny,but also for characterizing trait diversification in spider evolution.
文摘The prey-seeking behavior of three spiders (X1-Pirata subpiraticus, X2-Clubiona japonicola and X3-Tetragnatha japonica) for brown plant hopper (X4-Nilaparvata lugens) and rice spittle bug (X5-Cal-litettix versicolor) was investigated, as well as how interference between and within species occurred, by using a quadratic regression rotational composite design. Six predation models derived from the analysis of interactions among and within predators and preys were developed. The total predatory capacity of spiders on rice insect pests after coexistence for one day can be expressed as follows: Y3 = 32.795 + 2.25X1 + 1.083X2 + 0.5X3 + 10.167X4 + 3.167X5 - 1.67X12 - 2.42X22 - 3.295X32 - 0.045X42 + 0.455X52 - 3.125X1X2 + 0.375X1X3 -0.625X1X4 - 0.375X1X5 + 0.375X2X3 - 0.875X2X4 + 0.125X2X5 + 0.375X3X4 - 0.375X3X5 + 0.125X4X5. The principal efficiency analysis using this model indicated that increases in insect pest density significantly increased predation by predators; this was much greater than the effect of any single predator. X4 had a greater effect than X5; however, X4 and X5 demonstrated little interspecific interference and even promoted each other and increased predation rates as the densities of the two pests increased. Among the three predators, an increase in the density of X, had the greatest effect on the increase in predation, X3 had the second, X2 the third greatest effect. As predator density increased inter- and intra-species interference occurred, which were largely related to the size, activity, niche breadth, niche overlap and searching efficiency of the predators. X2 produced the greatest interference between different individuals and between any other predator species. X3 had the second greatest, which reduced predation levels at high predator densities. Because of these factors, the highest predation rate was obtained at a prey density of 120 per 4 rice-hills. The optimal proportion of the three predators in the multi-predator prey system was X1: X2: X3 = 5.6:1.3:4.1.
基金Supported by Basic Research Fund of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
文摘A systematic investigation on spiders in a tea garden of Guilin Institute of Tea Sciences was conducted. The results showed that totally 687 specimens were collected, belonging to 34 species, 27genera, 14 families, 2 suborders, and a new record species Trochosa suiningensis in Guangxi was found. Spider is a ma- jor developing natural enemy group of insect pests in tea garden, with features of wide distribution, large quantity, long duration, strong predatory and stress resist- ance, which has strong predation on adults and nymphs of Empoasca vitis and young larvae of Ectropis oblique. The population of spiders in tea garden significantly increases after middle June, and reaches the peak in July and August every year.
基金supported by the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-02)the Public Welfare Project from Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China(201203025)
文摘Distribution of horizontal boom produced droplets downwards into maize canopies at flowering period and its effects on the efficacies of emamectin benzoate, lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorantraniliprole against the second generation of Asian corn borer （ACB） larvae and their toxicity to spiders were studied. When insecticides were sprayed downwards into the maize canopies, randomly filtering out droplets by upper leaves led to great variations of droplet coverage and density within the canopies. Consequently, the efficacies of lambda-cyhalothrin and emamectin benzoate against ACB larvae were decreased because of randomly filtering out droplets by upper leaves. But field investigation showed that lambda-cyhalothrin was extremely toxic to hunting spiders, Xysticus ephippiatus, and not suitable to IPM programs in regulation of the second generation of ACB. Therefore, randomly filtering out droplets by upper leaves decreased lambda-cyhalothrin＇s efficacy against ACB larvae, but did little to decrease its toxicity to X. ephippiatus. Amamectin benzoate can reduce the populations of X. ephippiatus by 58.1-61.4%, but the populations can recover at the end of the experiment. Chlorantraniliprole was relatively safe to X. ephippiatus. It only reduced the populations of X. ephippiatus by 22.3-33.0%, and the populations can totally recover 9 d after application.
基金supported by the ARIADNA scheme (study ID 06/6201) of the European Space Agency
文摘In dry attachment systems of spiders and geckos, van der Waals forces mediate attraction between substrate and animal tarsus. In particular, the scopula of Evarcha arcuata spiders allows for reversible attachment and easy detachment to a broad range of surfaces. Hence, reproducing the scopula's roughness compatibility while maintaining anti-bunching features and dirt particle repellence behavior is a central task for a biomimetic transfer to an engineered model. In the present work we model the scopula of E. arcuata from a mechano-elastic point of view analyzing the influence of its hierarchical structure on the attachment behavior. By considering biological data of the gecko and spider, and the simulation results, the adhesive capabilities of the two animals are compared and important confirmations and new directives in order to reproduce the overall structure are found. Moreover, a possible suggestion of how the spider detaches in an easy and fast manner is proposed and supported by the results.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.41771202,No.41371195
文摘Non-crop habitats have been suggested to impact local biodiversity significantly in agricultural landscapes. However, there have been few studies of the effects of less-focused non-crop habitats(orchard, wetland, pit and ditch) on variation of spider abundance. In this study, spiders in 30 woodlands were captured using pitfall traps in Fengqiu County, China, and the effects of local and landscape variations at different scales(50 m, 100 m, 200 m, 350 m and 500 m) on spider abundance were analysed. The most important variation that influenced spider abundance at the 500 m scale was the less-focused non-crop habitat(LNH) cover, and 10% was an appropriate proportion of LNH cover to sustain high level of spider diversity in the investigated landscape. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analyses revealed that there were significant differences in the spider composition among the high, medium and low LNH coverage. Based on indicator species analysis, different spider species were associated with landscapes with different levels of LNH cover. Lycosidae, which accounted for 48% of the total specimens, preferred woodland habitats neighbouring areas with high LNH cover. Compared with woodland habitats, LNH provided more diverse food sources and habitat to sustain more spider species in the study area. Furthermore, linear elements composed of vegetation, such as pits and ditches, may prevent agricultural intensification by enhancing landscape connectivity and providing habitats for different spiders. Our findings may provide a theoretical basis for biodiversity conservation in agro-ecosystems and top-down control of pests.
基金supported by a grant from NSFC (30770332)The Ministry of Education (MOE) Academic Research Fund (AcRF)(R-154-000-335-112)
文摘Camouflage is one of the most widespread and powerful strategies that animals use to make detection/recognition more difficult. Many orb-web spiders of the genus Cyclosa add prey remains, plant debris, moults, and/or eggsacs to their webs called web decorations. Web decorations resembling spider body colour pattern have been considered to camouflage the spider from predators. While this camouflage is obvious from a human＇s perspective, it has rarely been investigated from a predator＇s perspective. In this study, we tested the visibility of web decorations by calculating chromatic and achromatic contrasts of detritus and eggsae decorations built by Cyclosa octotubereulata, against four different backgrounds viewed by both bird （e.g., blue tits） and hymenopteran （e.g. wasps） predators. We showed that both juvenile and adult spiders on webs with detritus or egg-sac deco- rations were undetectable by both hymenopteran and bird predators over short and long distances. Our results thus suggest that decorating webs with detritus or eggsacs by C octotuberculata may camouflage the spiders from both hymenopteran and bird predators in their common habitats [Current Zoology 56 （3）： 379-387, 2010].
文摘Ecological and evolutionary studies on spiders have been featured prominently throughout the contemporary behavio- ral syndromes movement. Here we review the behavioral syndromes literature devoted to spiders, and identify some ways in which behavioral syndromes can impact the function of spiders in ecological communities. We further highlight three general themes within the behavioral syndromes literature for which spiders have served as front running model systems： （1） how trait correlations beget performance trade-offs, （2） the influence that behavioral trait variants have on interspecific interactions and （3） mechanisms that aid in maintaining behavioral variation within-and among-populations. Research on behavioral syndromes con-tinues to grow at an impressive rate, and we feel the success of behavioral syndromes studies in spiders bodes well for their con-tinued prominence.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB31000000) to S.Q.L。
文摘Although widely thought to be aggressive, solitary,and potentially cannibalistic, some spider species have evolved group-living behaviors. The distinct transition provides the framework to uncover groupliving evolution. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic study and examined patterns of molecular evolution in two independently evolved group-living spiders and twelve solitary species. We report that positively selected genes among groupliving spider lineages are significantly enriched in nutrient metabolism and autophagy pathways. We also show that nutrient-related genes of group-living spiders convergently experience amino acid substitutions and accelerated relative evolutionary rates. These results indicate adaptive convergence of nutrient metabolism that may ensure energy supply in group-living spiders. The decelerated evolutionary rate of autophagy-related genes in group-living lineages is consistent with an increased constraint on energy homeostasis as would be required in a group-living environment. Together, the results show that energy metabolic pathways play an important role in the transition to group-living in spiders.
文摘To understand communication, the interests of the sender and the receiver/s of signals should be considered sepa-rately. When our goal is to understand the adaptive significance of specific responses to specific signals by the receiver, questions about signal information are useful. However, when our goal is to understand the adaptive significance to the sender of generating a signal, it may be better to envisage the receiver＇s response to signals as part of the sender＇s extended phenotype. By making signals, a sender interfaces with the receiver＇s model of the world and indirectly manipulates its behaviour. This is especially clear in cases of mimicry, where animals use deceptive signals that indirectly manipulate the behaviour of receivers. Many animals adopt Batesian mimicry to deceive their predators, or aggressive mimicry to deceive their prey. We review examples from the lite-rature on spiders to illustrate how these phenomena, traditionally thought of as distinct, can become entangled in a web of lies .
文摘Orb-web spiders and their webs constitute an ideal model system in which to study behavioural flexibility and spatial cognition in invertebrates due to the easily quantifiable nature of the orb web. A large number of studies demonstrate how spiders are able to modify the geometry of their webs in response to a range of different conditions including the ability to adapt their webs to spatial constraints. However, the mechanisms behind this impressive web-building flexibility in these cognitively limited animals remain poorly explored. One possible mechanism though may be spatial learning during the spiders＇ exploration of their immediate surroundings. This review discusses the importance of exploration behaviour, the reliance on simple behavioural rules, and the use of already laid threads as guidelines for web-building in orb-web spiders. The focus is on the spiders＇ ability to detect and adapt their webs to space limitations and other spatial disruptions. I will also review the few published studies on how spatial information is gathered during the exploration phase and discuss the possibility of the use of ＇cognitive map＇-like processes in spiders. Finally, the review provides suggestions for designing experimental studies to shed light on whether spiders gather metric information during the site exploration （cognitive map hypothesis） or rely on more simple binary information in combination with previously laid threads to build their webs （stigmergy hypothesis）.
文摘Much of an animal＇s health status, life history, and behavior are dictated by interactions with its endogenous and exogenous bacterial communities. Unfortunately, interactions between hosts and members of their resident bacterial community are often ignored in animal behavior and behavioral ecology. Here, we aim to identify the nature of host-microbe interactions in a nonmodel organism, the African social spider Stegodyphus dumicola. We collected and identified bacteria from the cuticles of spiders in situ and then exposed spiders to bacterial monocultures cultures via topical application or injection. We also topically inoculated spiders with a concomitant ＂cocktail＂ of bacteria and measured the behavior of spiders daily for 24 days after inoculation. Lastly, we collected and identified bacteria from the cuticles of prey items in the capture webs of spiders, and then fed spiders domestic crickets which had been injected with these bacteria. We also injected 1 species of prey-borne bacteria into the hemolymph of spiders. Only Bacillus thuringiensis caused increased mortality when injected into the hemolymph of spiders, whereas no bacterial monocultures caused increased mortality when applied topically, relative to control solutions. However, a bacterial cocktail of cuticular bacteria caused weight loss and mortality when applied topically, yet did not detectibly alter spider behavior. Consuming prey injected with prey-borne bacteria was associated with an elongated lifespan in spiders. Thus, indirect evidence from multiple experiments suggests that the effects of these bacteria on spider survivorship appear contingent on their mode of colonization and whether they are applied in monoculture or within a mixed cocktail. We urge that follow-up studies should test these host-microbe interactions across different social contexts to determine the role that microbes play in colony performance.
文摘Distinction of predator＇s diet and prey choice preference is a hot topic of current investigations. Spider being generalist predator and cosmopoliter in nature acts as biological control agent in many agro-ecosystems. In the current study, predatory efficacy of five spiders （Pardosa birmanica, Cyclosa insulana, Thomisus projectus, Plexippus paykulli and Lycosa terrestris） inhabiting the cotton fieldevaluated in the laboratory conditions maintained at （27＋2）℃ temperature, 65%-5% relative humidity and 12 ： 12 h of light and dark photoperiod. Four key cotton pests＇ viz. Bemisiatabaci, Amrascaderastans Thripstabaci and Helicoverpa armigera were utilized in the choice and no-choice predatory studies. The findings of current investigation revealed that each predatory spider utilized at least one pest species. Predation rate was found higher in the no-choice predation because of unavailability of substitutes feeding source. The investigation also indicated each predatory spider killed more pests than consumed. The findings of this study support the predatory role of spiders in controlling the cotton major pests.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC-31801979 and 31872229)the Singapore Ministry of Education(MOE)AcRF Tier 1 grant(R-154-000-B18-114).
文摘Sexual conflict is common in animals,and female sexual cannibalism represents an extreme form of sexual conflict.Males in many species have evolved a variety of strategies to circumvent or decrease the risk of female sexual cannibalism.Opportunistic mating,by which a male mates with a female when she is disturbed or when she is feeding or undertaking moulting,is one of such kinds of strategies,and widely occurs in many animals,especially in spiders.However,whether the occurrence of male opportunistic mating depends on the intensity of female sexual cannibalism remains largely unexplored.We predicted a positive correlation between them.In this study,we tested this prediction by performing a series of mating trials in the laboratory using 3 species of web-building spiders with different intensities of female sexual cannibalism:Nephila pilipes,Nephilengys malabarensis,and Parasteatoda tepidariorum.We found that the occurrence of male opportunistic mating was positively,though not statistically significantly,correlated with the intensity of female sexual cannibalism,thus supporting our hypothesis.All together,we provide evidence that male opportunistic mating may have evolved to respond to the selection pressure posed by female sexual cannibalism.
基金Supported by National Science and Technology Foundation Program(2008FY210500)
文摘The spider resources in tea plantations in Enshi region have been investigated and 51 species of spiders belonging to 22 families have been identified in the paper. The dominant species are clarified and their directory and distribution status are also listed in the paper.
文摘The study of diversity and distribution of spiders was carried out at Obafemi Awolowo University, Southwestern Nigeria, in wet and dry seasons between October 2012 and April 2014. Spiders were collected from five different sampling sites in the study area: cultivated land, open field, hill area, house dwelling and aquatic habitat. We found 1824 individuals belonging to 19 different spider families in the study area. 9 families of spiders were present in the hill habitat;12 families of spiders were present in the open field habitat;6 families of spiders were present in house habitat;9 families of spider were present in aquatic habitat. All the 19 families of spiders were present in cultivated habitat. Therefore, cultivated habitat hosted the largest number of spider families in the area of study while house dwellers hosted the least number of spider families. Spiders are evenly distributed among the five habitats in this study and the fifth habitat, teaching and research farm representing cultivated area has the highest distribution of spider species. All the species recorded in Southwestern Nigeria were found in this habitat. In conclusion, 19 different spider families are recorded in Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, during this study. These have enriched the collection of spider in Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Southwestern Nigeria.
基金funded by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(NSFC-32270495/32300378/32400360)the Science&Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program of China(2023FY100200)+1 种基金the Foundation of Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response(2022(B)004)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M731035).
文摘Based on the collections of the Field Museum of Natural History,a new species of the monotypic genus Martensikara Jäger,2021 from Madagascar(Ma.quadrituberculata sp.nov.)and a new species of the monotypic genus Micropoda Grall&Jäger,2022 from Papua New Guinea(Mi.bigyrus sp.nov.)are reported.Diagnoses,morphological descriptions,illustrations and distribution maps of the two new species are provided.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(32000301).
文摘A new pholcid spider species,Khorata qunzhen Yao&Liu,sp.nov.,is described from Tianmen Moun-tain,Yangxi Village,Geling Town,Yongtai County,Fuzhou City,Fujian Province.Photographs and distribution map of this species are provided in the present study.
