Inter-population variation and phenotypic plasticity in kairomone use by a poly-specialist spider-eating predator

Previous research on Cyrba algerina (Araneae, Salticidae) has shown this jumping spider expresses predatory specialisation with respect to spiders as prey as well as inter-population variation in responsiveness to prey-spider odour. However, this earlier research pertained to a single prey species (...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of ethology 2022-01, Vol.40 (1), p.37-48
Main Authors: Cerveira, Ana M., Jackson, Robert R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Animal Ecology
Behavioral Sciences
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Cyrba algerina
Evolutionary Biology
Kairomones
Laboratories
Life Sciences
Odor
Oecobius machadoi
Phenotypic plasticity
Phenotypic variations
Predation
Prey
Salticidae
Species
Zelotes thorelli
Zoology
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Summary:Previous research on Cyrba algerina (Araneae, Salticidae) has shown this jumping spider expresses predatory specialisation with respect to spiders as prey as well as inter-population variation in responsiveness to prey-spider odour. However, this earlier research pertained to a single prey species ( Oecobius machadoi ) and only field-collected C . algerina individuals were tested. Here we extend the previous research by using laboratory-reared, as well as field-collected, individuals of C. algerina and also by using another prey-spider species, Zelotes thorelli , as well as O . machadoi . Two localities in Portugal are considered, Sintra where C . algerina and both prey species are abundant and Tavira where C . algerina is present but neither prey species has been found. In olfactometer experiments, field-collected C . algerina individuals from Sintra, but not Tavira, were attracted to the odour of both prey species. Next, we tested the response of laboratory-reared Sintra C . algerina individuals that had been maintained with no prior experience with the odour of either prey species. We found no evidence of laboratory-reared individuals being attracted to the odour of either prey species in the olfactometer. These findings suggest that prior experience mediates responsiveness of C . algerina to the odour of local prey.
ISSN:0289-0771
1439-5444
DOI:10.1007/s10164-021-00725-y