Homology, behaviour and spider webs: web construction behaviour of Linyphia hortensis and L. triangularis (Araneae: Linyphiidae) and its evolutionary significance

Linyphiidae is the second largest family of spiders. Using Linyphia hortensis and L. triangularis, we describe linyphiid sheet‐web construction behaviour. Orb‐web construction behaviour is reviewed and compared with that of nonorb‐weaving orbicularians. Phylogenetic comparisons and the biogenetic la...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of evolutionary biology 2004-01, Vol.17 (1), p.120-130
Main Authors: Benjamin, S. P., Zschokke, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
behavioural character
evolution
Linyphia hortensis
Linyphia triangularis
Linyphiidae
macro mutation
Motor Activity - physiology
Orbiculariae
orb‐web
Phylogeny
Predatory Behavior - physiology
sheet‐web
Spiders - physiology
stereotypic behaviour
web construction
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Linyphiidae is the second largest family of spiders. Using Linyphia hortensis and L. triangularis, we describe linyphiid sheet‐web construction behaviour. Orb‐web construction behaviour is reviewed and compared with that of nonorb‐weaving orbicularians. Phylogenetic comparisons and the biogenetic law are applied to deduce behavioural homology. Linyphia webs were constructed gradually and in segments over a period of many days and had a long lifespan. Two construction behaviours, supporting structure and sticky thread (ST) (within the sheet) were observed. ST construction behaviour in linyphiids is considered homologous to sticky spiral construction in orb‐weavers. Overall web construction conformed to the pattern of alternate construction of sticky and nonsticky parts as observed in theridiids. Linyphiids had no problem in switching between structure construction and ST construction even during a single behavioural bout. Both web construction behaviours in linyphiids were nonstereotypic, which is unusual in orbicularians. This might be due to the loss of control mechanisms at genetic level, probably by macro mutation. Lack of stereotypic behaviour might have played a substantial role in the origin of the diverse web forms seen in nonorb‐weaving orbicularians. This hypothesis is consistent with patterns observed in the orbicularian phylogeny.
ISSN:1010-061X
1420-9101
DOI:10.1046/j.1420-9101.2004.00667.x