The allometry of CNS size and consequences of miniaturization in orb-weaving and cleptoparasitic spiders

Allometric studies of the gross neuroanatomy of adults from nine species of spiders from six web-weaving families (Orbicularia), and nymphs from six of these species, show that very small spiders resemble other small animals in having disproportionately larger central nervous systems (CNSs) relative to body mass when compared with large-bodied forms. Small spiderlings and minute adult spiders have similar relative CNS volumes. The relatively large CNS of a very small spider occupies up to 78% of the cephalothorax volume. The CNSs of very small spiders extend into their coxae, occupying as much as 26% of the profile area of the coxae of an Anapisona simoni spiderling (body mass < 0.005 mg). Such modifications occur both in species with minute adults, and in tiny spiderlings of species with large-bodied adults. In at least one such species, Leucauge mariana, the CNS of the spiderling extends into a prominent ventral bulge of the sternum. Tiny spiders also have reduced neuronal cell body diameters. The adults of nearly all orbicularian spiders weave prey capture webs, as do the spiderlings, beginning with second instar nymphs. Comparable allometric relations occur in adults of both orb-weaving and cleptoparasitic species, indicating that this behavioral difference is not reflected in differences in gross CNS allometry.     

Foraging advantages of mixed-species association between solitary and colonial orb-weaving spiders

This study investigated association between solitary orb-weaving spiders and a colonial orb-weaving spider, Metepeira incrassata (Araneae: Araneidae). Spiders were sampled along transects and an index of species association showed that two of the species were associated more frequently than expected based on a null hipothesis of random co-occurrence. The potential advantages of mixed-species association were investigated by comparing prey-capture success of one of these associates, Nephila clavipes (Araneae: Tetragnathidae), when it occurs alone, in single-species groups, and when associated with M. incrassata colonies. Field observations of prey-capture success by all three of these categories of N. clavipes revealed that individuals in M. incrassata colonies captured significantly more prey than solitaries or individuals in single-species groups. The increase in prey capture by N. clavipes in M. incrassata colonies may result from utilization of a foraging niche which intercepts a diffirent spectrum of prey than that available to single-species groups or solitaries. Related to this enhanced prey consumption is greater fecundity of spiders in association with M. incrassata as compared to solitaries or individuals in single-species groups.     

Group size and predation risk in colonial web-building spiders: analysis of attack abatement mechanisms

Higher rates of encounter with wasp predators are a consequenceof group living for Metepeira incrassala (Araneae: Araneidae),a colonial orb-weaving spider from tropical Mexico. Field observationof wasp attacks on these stationary prey groups, which varywidely in size, allows separation of attacks at the colony andindividual level and provides evidence of a complex attack-abatementeffect. No predator attacks were observed for solitaries andsmall groups of two to eight spiders. In groups of 10 spidersor more, predator encounter rate increases with group size,although at a decreasing rate. This nonlinear relationship suggestsan encounter avoidance effect that may be due in part to a visualapparency effect, wherein the target area presented by thesethree-dimensional colonies does not increase proportionatelywith increasing group size. Despite increased encounter ratesin larger colonies, individual risk decreases with colony size,but not entirely similar to the manner predicted by a numericaldilution effect. Dilution of attack risk per individual maybe offset by the foraging behavior of wasp predators, as theyconcentrate their foraging and sequentially attack more spidersin larger groups. Even so, wasp capture efficiency decreaseswithcolony size, as spiders become aware of attacks on others,suggesting an early warning effect from web vibrations. As aresult of these combined effects, in colonies of 10 of morespiders, overall predation risk from wasps decreases with increasinggroup size.     

Foraging strategies of Eriophora transmarina and Nephila plumipes (Araneae: Araneoidea): Nocturnal and diurnal orb-weaving spiders

Abstract The foraging behaviour, web characteristics and prey availability of two sympatric orb-weaving spiders, Nephila plumipes and Eriophora transmarina (Araneae: Araneoidea), are compared. The spiders are similarly sized but have different temporal foraging patterns. Nephila plumipes spins a relatively permanent web and captures most of its prey during the day. Eriophora transmarina only forages at night, spinning a new web every night and usually dismantling it at dawn. These different foraging activities are most likely to be responsible for the observed differences in the types and rates of prey capture: E. transmarina captured mostly Lepidoptera that were more abundant at night than during the day, while N. plumipes captured mostly Hymenoptera that were more abundant during the day than at night. While nocturnal E. transmarina have less time available for foraging than the diurnal N. plumipes, the former has a substantially higher nocturnal prey capture rate. We argue that the difference between the species in their prey capture rates are likely to be due to differences in the architecture of their webs.     

Population dynamics of Tubificoides amplivasatus (Oligochaeta,Tubificidae) in the Oresund,Denmark

A two year fortnightly collection of data from the 27 m station in the Oresund on the tubificid species Tubificoides amplivasatus was analyzed for population trends and life stages. Recruitment patterns from year to year were consistent in timing but very irratic in magnitude, being similar to patterns seen in other estuarine and marine annelids. Sexually mature T. amplivasatus were found throughout the study period, but mature mated specimens were more abundant during late summer and autumn. It is estimated that from 120 to 150 days is spent, by this species, in the cocoon and individuals may reach maturity in less than one year. There was some indication of individuals with regressed genital organs indicating that they may live longer than one year. At the 27 m station T. amplivasatus is part of a complex and well developed benthic community. Temporal variation in this species was highly correlated to that of other major taxa (bivalves, ophiuroids).     

烟盲蝽及其天敌蜘蛛空间格局的地统计学分析

利用地统计学的方法研究了烟草(品种为中烟100)不同生长期烟盲蝽及天敌蜘蛛的空间格局,结果表明:烟盲蝽的空间格局随时间的变化呈现为随机、聚集、再随机和再聚集;尽管蜘蛛混合种群的空间格局也依次表现为随机、聚集、随机和聚集分布,但只是在后期与烟盲蝽的空间格局一致。利用BlockKriging进行空间插值分析,得到的三维空间插值模拟图能很好地反映烟盲蝽和蜘蛛种群的田间分布状况。同时,对烟盲蝽及天敌蜘蛛的种群动态进行了分析,发现它们的种群数量变化趋势相似。所有结果表明蜘蛛种群在较大程度上与烟盲蝽种群存在跟随关系。     

A Three Years' Study of Life Cycle,Population Dynamics and Production of Asellus aquaticus L. in a Macrophyte Rich Stream

Populations of A. aquaticus were sampled quantitatively in 1979–82 at two localities in the river Suså which has a slope of <1 m km⁻¹ and large variations in macrophyte biomass, discharge and stream velocity. The latter two differed significantly between years. A. aquaticus had (1)−2 life cycles per year and summer and winter cohort production intervals of 85 and 290 days. Populations of A. aquaticus varied between 0 and 28,000 ind. m⁻² with an exponential increase in the spring and an exponential decrease in the autumn-winter. The A. aquaticus rate of decrease varied between 0.62 and 5.61 % d⁻¹ and increased with increasing rate of elimination of the macrophyte biomass Differences between the two localities were due to differences in physical heterogeneity. Production varied between 2.8 and 9.1 g DW m⁻² yr⁻¹ and between 12.9 and 55 g DW m⁻² yr⁻¹ at the two localities and P/B ratios were 7.4–9.9 yr⁻¹. Physical limitations are thought to be most important for the populations of A. aquaticus in the Suså, and the macrophyte biomass played an important role in modifying the physical environment. Differences between streams and lake populations are discussed.     

Individual differences in boldness positively correlate with heart rate in orb-weaving spiders of genus Larinioides

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of studies devoted to consistent individual differences in behavior, termed ＂behavioral syndromes＂ or animal ＂personality＂. In particular, ecologists and evolutionary biologists alike seek to explore the functional consequences of individuals＇ personalities and explanations for their general maintenance. Understand ing the mechanistic underpinnings to personality is arguably key to a deeper understanding of their functional consequences and maintenance. In particular, consistent individual differences in metabolic rate have been proposed as a general explanation for the maintenance of consistent individual differences in boldness, aggressiveness, and activity level. In this paper we explore whether consistent individual differences in boldness are associated with heat rate, a proxy for metabolic rate, in two species of orbweaving spider： Larinioides cornutus and L. patagiatus. We first documented consistent individual differences in boldness in L. cornutus but not L. patagiatus, as estimated by individuals＇ latency to resume movement following an aversive stimulus. We also measured individuals＇ heart rate twice in a separate situation. We then tested for an association between individuals＇ boldness and their heart rate during these two events. We found that increased boldness was associated with increased heart. Thus, indi viduals that resumed movement quickly following an aversive stimulus also exhibited faster heart rates. Our studies provide fur ther evidence that consistent individual differences in key physiological attributes, like metabolic rate, might be a general mecha nism underlying consistent individual differences in behavior .     

Population genetic structure of two ecologically distinct Amazonian spiny rats: separating history and current ecology

Abstract. Population history and current demographic and ecological factors determine the amount of genetic variation within and the degree of differentiation among populations. Differences in the life history and ecology of codistributed species may lead to differences in hierarchical population genetic structure. Here, we compare patterns of genetic diversity and structure of two species of spiny rats in the genus Proechimys from the Rio Jurua of western Amazonian Brazil. Based on the ecological and life-history differences between the two species, we make predictions as to how they might differ in patterns of genetic diversity and structure. We use mitochondrial sequence data from the cytochrome b gene to test these predictions. Although both species maintain nearly the same number of mitochondrial haplotypes across the sampled range, they differ in levels of genetic diversity and geographic structure. Patterns of gene flow are also different between the two species with average M-values of nearly three in P. steerei and less than one in P. simonsi . Our initial predictions are largely upheld by the genetic data and where conflicting hypotheses arise, we suggest further studies that may allow us to distinguish among evolutionary scenarios. Separating the effects of history and ongoing demography on patterns of genetic diversity is challenging. Combining genetic analyses with field studies remains essential to disentangling these complex processes.     

Water relations and haemolymph composition of two intertidal spiders (order araneae)

Water relations and haemolymph composition have been compared in two intertidal spiders which inhabit different zones of a rocky shore in the Cape Peninsula. Evaporative water losses of the mid-shore species, Desis formidabilis (O.P. Cambridge), are much greater than those of Amaurobioides africanus Hewitt, which occurs higher on the shore. Both species avoid desiccating conditions by remaining in silk-lined nests in suitable microclimates, and the nests of Desis formidabilis are submerged for a substantial portion of each tidal cycle. Osmolarities and sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride concentrations were measured for the haemolymph of both spiders. The haemolymph chemistry of Amaurobioides africanus resembles that of terrestrial spiders. The haemolymph of Desis formidabilis, however, has an osmolarity of 930 mOsm/l, a sodium concentration of 451 mM/l and a chloride concentration of 466 mM/l. It is suggested that this unusually concentrated haemolymph may represent an adaptation to a diet of marine crustaceans.     

Using elasticity analysis of demographic models to link toxicant effects on individuals to the population level: an example

1. A simple two-stage population model was applied to data from a previously published life-table response experiment (LTRE), which examined the toxicity of 4- n -nonylphenol to life-history traits of the polychaete Capitella sp. I. Population growth rates ( λ ) and the relative sensitivities (= elasticities) of λ to changes in each of the individual life-history traits were calculated.
2. In the present study, the life-history parameters measured in laboratory-reared individuals were manipulated to simulate potential effects of competition and predation on fecundity, time to reproductive maturity and juvenile survival to explore how such factors might influence the sensitivity of population growth rate to toxicant-caused changes in individual life-history traits.
3. Dramatic changes in elasticity patterns among simulations indicate that population growth rates may respond very differently to toxicant exposure depending on the extent to which other demographically limiting factors (e.g. competitors and/or predators) are operating on the population.
4. Effectively predicting the population-level consequences arising from toxicant effects measured on individuals can be improved by exploring the elasticity pattern of λ for the population over a range of realistic ecological situations.     

内蒙古巴彦淖尔地区向日葵螟的种群动态与生活史

为了制定科学、有效的向日葵螟Homoeosoma nebulellum Denis et Schiffermüller（鳞翅目：螟蛾科）测报和防治对策,通过野外调查和室内饲养观察对内蒙古巴彦淖尔地区向日葵螟的发生为害规律及生活史进行了研究。结果表明：当地向日葵螟的寄主有菊科的向日葵Helianthus annuus L.、茼蒿Chrysanthemum coronarium Mill.、刺儿菜Cephalanoplos segetum（Beg.） Kitam和苣荬菜Sonchus brachyotus DC.,其中苣荬菜作为向日葵螟的寄主在我国是首次报道。应用性信息素监测结合田间调查的结果表明,当地向日葵螟一年发生2代,其中越冬幼虫4月下旬开始化蛹,5月中旬开始羽化,但此时羽化的成虫由于缺乏开花寄主而无法产卵为害。第1代幼虫在6月末为害茼蒿、7月下旬开始为害开花的向日葵。第1代幼虫于7月下旬开始羽化产卵形成第2代,其中有9.2%的老熟幼虫直接滞育越冬。第2代幼虫自8月中旬起为害晚开花的向日葵,9月中旬老熟后陆续入土越冬,至10月上旬收获时仍有30.0%的幼虫未老熟而随收获的葵花盘转至筛选出的杂质中越冬。在24℃,RH 70%和L16∶D8光照条件下测定第2代向日葵螟卵、幼虫和蛹的发育历期分别为4.2、15.9和11.1 d,雌、雄蛾寿命分别为14.9 d和15.1 d.综合观察结果,绘制了巴彦淖尔地区向日葵螟的生活史表。     

Application of Perturbation Simulations in Population Risk Assessment for Different Life History Strategies and Elasticity Patterns

Population structure and life history strategies are determinants of how populations respond to stressor-induced impairments in organism-level responses. Effects on population growth rate were modeled using seven theoretical constructs that represented the life history strategies and elasticity patterns of a broad range of species. Simulations of low to high ranges of simultaneous reductions in survival and reproduction were conducted and results indicated that stressor impacts on population growth rate were a function of population characteristics and the magnitude of the stress. Species that had high reproductive elasticity had greater population-level impacts than species with high survival elasticity for the same organism-level effects. Perturbation simulations were performed to assess the extinction risk in two species with similar elasticity patterns but different life history strategies: mysid shrimp, Americamysis bahia, and the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, which can be related to classical K- and r-strategists, respectively. Deterministic extinction risk was greater for the K-strategist, which indicated that population level risks were dependent on life history strategies, and toxicity values (e.g., LC50s) should be interpreted with caution. Ecological risk assessments should consider both population structure and life history strategy of an ecological receptor, in addition to the intrinsic sensitivity of the species to contaminant stressors.     

斜纹夜蛾的生物学特性

通过室内饲养及田间调查,揭示了斜纹夜蛾生活史、各虫态发育历期及存活率;测定了各龄幼虫的取食量、成虫性比及产卯量;同时揭示了田间成虫种群消长动态。     

Life history and population dynamics of the western mosquitofish: a comparison of natural and introduced populations

Life history and population dynamic patterns of Gambusia affinis in southeastern Louisiana varied spatially and temporally in 1990 and 1991, but were consistent with previous reports of this species in the southern regions of its natural range. Several differences exist among populations in different geographic regions within the United States, as reported in the literature, which do not follow a' native v . introduced' dichotomy: (1) brood size decreases and offspring size increases from north to south; (2) large overwintered females in northern areas produce more broods within a season than those in southern populations, while the reverse is true for young-of–year females; (3) minimum size at first reproduction follows a seasonal pattern within populations, but tends to be smaller in southern and larger in northern and Hawaiian populations; (4) synchronous reproduction early in the season is characteristic of northern populations, but does not occur in southern areas; and (5) mosquitofish reproduce year–round in Hawaii, while 'southern' populations within the continental U.S. cease reproduction during winter.     

Life history of the sandy beach amphipod Deshayesorchestia deshayesii (Crustacea: Talitridae) from Bizerta beach (North of Tunisia)

Population dynamics and reproductive activity of the amphipod Deshayesorchestia deshayesii were studied monthly from June 2007 to December 2008 in Bizerta beach. During this period, 6577 specimens of D. deshayesii were identified; the sex ratio was female biased, with a mean of the monthly sex ratios equal to 0.21?±?0.12. Due to the absence of embryos or eggs in the female brood pouches and juveniles in the samples, results suggested that the reproductive season extended from April to November, with a sexual resting period during winter from December to March. Brood size varied between 4 and 17 eggs and fecundity appeared to be correlated with female size. Six cohorts were identified on the first sampling date. Additionally, 12 new cohorts were detected during the study period. Life span was estimated at 5–7?months depending on the time of birth. Cohorts that appeared at the beginning of the reproductive period tended to have shorter lives than those born later in the season. These results suggest that D. deshayesii can be considered as a semi-annual species, with iteroparous females.     

Spatial and temporal variation in a suite of life-history traits in two species of wolf spider

Abstract.  1. Life-history traits and density were assayed in seven populations of two sympatric species of wolf spider for three consecutive years. The goal of the study was to quantify population dynamics and its relation to spatial and temporal life-history variation.
2. Adult female body size and fecundity varied significantly, among field sites and among years, in both species. Female spiders of both species differed in mean relative reproductive effort among sites, but not among years. The size of offspring was invariable, with no significant differences due to site or year.
3. All populations of both species tended to either decrease or increase in density during a given year and this was tightly correlated with changes in prey consumption rates.
4. Since life-history patterns are determined primarily by selection, it is concluded that size at sexual maturity for females is phenotypically plastic and responds to changes in prey availability. Offspring size however is not plastic and it is likely that other selection forces have determined offspring size. Temporal fluctuations in population size are correlated over a large area relative to dispersal capabilities for these species and conservation efforts for invertebrates must take this into consideration.     

Can a spider web be too sticky? Tensile mechanics constrains the evolution of capture spiral stickiness in orb-weaving spiders

Owing to habitat loss and fragmentation, large mammal populations all over the world are becoming increasingly small and isolated. It is therefore a conservation priority to understand mechanisms influencing the demography of such populations, which can easily be driven to extinction. The Przewalski's horse Equus ferus przewalskii remains one of the world's most endangered species and reintroduced animals are still vulnerable. Over 9 years, we analysed factors affecting mortality and female fecundity at the individual level in a predator-free, closed population of Przewalski's horses, which grew from 11 to 55 individuals. Similar to other wild equids, the annual growth rate of the population was r =0.169. Typically, adult mortality was much lower than juvenile mortality, the latter being correlated with neither inbreeding coefficient of foals nor population density. We found no link between female fecundity and operational sex ratio of the herd, or inbreeding coefficient, lactation status and body condition of the mares. Although food therefore seemed not to be limiting in this population, density (number of horses ha⁻¹) clearly reduced fecundity, especially in subadult mares. Thus, our results show that space can slow the growth rate of a population before resources become limited, a potential source of concern for increasingly shrinking habitats of endangered large mammals. Possible mechanisms causing this may be found in incest avoidance or other social parameters. Finally, in large herbivores, population density is said to exert influence in a sequential order: juvenile survival first, followed by fecundity of young females, then adult females, and adult survival last. Although we observed no link between density and juvenile survival in the studied population, our results otherwise support this hypothesis.     

Predatory behaviour of Cretaceous social orb-weaving spiders: response to Penney

Further evidence is provided showing that the Early Cretaceous juvenile and male spiders entrapped together in a web in a piece of amber from Myanmar are conspecific (Geratonephila burmanica) and members of a communal web, thus indicating spider sociality. Pictorial evidence of physical contact between the juvenile spider and the wasp entrapped in its web and the type of prey utilized by present day nephilids, leaves no doubt about the predatory behavior of the spider.