Presentation Details
| Jumping Is Mediated by Different Leg Use Strategies Across Body Size in Jumping Spiders Sophie E.Hanson1, Evan C.Fewell2, Beck Jacobs1, Sylvia L.Tuerke1, Ella S.Weisman1, Joseph E.Ramos1, Zephyr A.Eslick-Persyn1, Lani E.Thompson1, Damian O.Elias1. 1University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.2Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, USA |
Abstract
Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are renowned for their rapid, agile jumps. Jumping is a critical aspect of fitness throughout development, from early life stages to adulthood. Previous studies on jump performance have primarily focused on adult spiders, leaving variation in jump performance across a wide range of body sizes largely unexplored. To investigate jump kinematics and jump behavior across size and development, we used high-speed videography to film Phidippus regius jumps. Individuals in our study spanned over 2.5 orders of magnitude in body mass (1.39–600 mg). Using DeepLabCut tracking software, we extracted jump kinematics (e.g., max distance, takeoff velocity, acceleration, jump power) and analyzed which leg pairs contribute to jump propulsion during takeoff. We found that adults primarily use their third pair of legs to power their jumps, whereas young spiderlings consistently use both their third and fourth legs. This shift in leg use suggests that P. regius employs distinct behavioral strategies depending on their body size. While leg use is known to vary across species, this study provides evidence that leg use also varies within a species.
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.
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.
Content Locked. Log into a registered attendee account to access this presentation.