Presentation Details
| Effect of Odor on Prey Pattern Aversion in Jumping Spiders Aditi Persad, Laurel Lietzenmayer, Lisa Taylor. University of Florida, Gainesville, FLORIDA, USA |
Abstract
Many animals defend themselves with toxic chemicals and use warning displays of odors and bright colors to advertise their toxicity. Yet, how color and odor interact in warning displays is not well understood. Work in jumping spiders has shown that defensive odors from three species of chemically defended bugs (Leptoglossus phyllopus, Mormidea lugens, Acanthocephala femorata) trigger a foraging aversion to red prey, a typical warning color. We ask if these defensive odors increase aversion to another visual warning: high-contrast stripes. Jumping spiders (Habronattus trimaculatus) were given the choice between two types of color-manipulated termites: black-and-white stripes or solid white, in the presence or absence of a defensive odor (from the bug species above). We predicted that all spiders would be averse to striped termites, but the aversion would be stronger in the presence of the odor. Results from all odor experiments were contrary to our prediction: regardless of whether the odor was present or absent, spiders attacked both patterns at similar rates. These results are discussed in the context of predator decision-making and the evolution of prey defenses.
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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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