The role of prey availability in aggregative behaviour of the orb weaving spider Tetragnatha elongata |
| |
| Institution: | 1. State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy (LPS), Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008 Nanjing, China;2. Department of Geology, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia;3. Evo-Eco-Paléo, UMR 8198 du CNRS, Université de Lille, F-59655 Villeneuve d''Ascq, France;4. Van Mildert College, Institute of Advanced Study, Durham University, Cosin''s Hall, Durham DH1 3RL, UK;5. Paleontology and Paleoenvironment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China;6. Key Laboratory of Metallogenic Prediction of Nonferrous Metals and Geological Environment Monitoring, Ministry of Education, School of Geosciences and Info-Physics, Central South University, 410083 Changsha, China;1. School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, NE 68583, United States of America;2. School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America |
| |
| Abstract: | Like many spider species, Tetragnatha elongata exhibits considerable flexibility in its spacing pattern as a response to variable levels of prey abundance. This study examines the extent and form of spider aggregation at high prey density. In experiments in which their respective densities were manipulated, when spider density was high, excess prey allowed individuals (1) a significant reduction in web building, and (2) indiscriminate use of pre-laid silk. These effects were not observed at low spider density. These results are discussed in the context of ‘risk-sensitive’ foraging theory, which shows how this type of behaviour in an aggregation might be adopted as a means for reducing resource variance. Such an approach indicates a possible means through which sociality might be initiated. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录！ |
|
