Presentation Details
| Nutritional Benefits of Ant Specialization in the Twin-flagged Jumping Spider (Anasaitis canosus) Kayla Stalcup, Lisa Taylor. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA |
Abstract
Many predators are generalists, consuming a variety of prey types. However, diet specialization has evolved across taxa, with predators becoming highly adapted to preying on specific, often dangerous, prey. Ant-specialization is well-documented in several jumping spider species, yet little is known about the nutritional benefits of eating ants. Here, we use a diet manipulation experiment to test the hypothesis that Anasaitis canosus will benefit nutritionally when ants are included in their diet compared to when they are not. Field-collected juveniles were randomly assigned to one of two diet treatments: (1) a ‘no ant’ high-quality diet of crickets and flies or (2) an ‘ant diet’composed of crickets, flies, and the addition of two ant species (Dorymyrmex bureni and Solenopsis invicta). The spiders were fed these diets three times per week until maturity to assess growth and mating success. Adult females then remained on the diets for 60 additional days to assess the number of eggs that were laid and spiderlings that hatched. Results will be discussed in the context of the fitness consequences and evolution of specialization in jumping spiders, as well as other animals.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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