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Inter-population variation and phenotypic plasticity in kairomone use by a poly-specialist spider-eating predator

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Abstract

Previous research on Cyrba algerina (Araneae, Salticidae) has shown this jumping spider expresses predatory specialisation with respect to spiders as prey as well as inter-population variation in responsiveness to prey-spider odour. However, this earlier research pertained to a single prey species (Oecobius machadoi) and only field-collected C. algerina individuals were tested. Here we extend the previous research by using laboratory-reared, as well as field-collected, individuals of C. algerina and also by using another prey-spider species, Zelotes thorelli, as well as O. machadoi. Two localities in Portugal are considered, Sintra where C. algerina and both prey species are abundant and Tavira where C. algerina is present but neither prey species has been found. In olfactometer experiments, field-collected C. algerina individuals from Sintra, but not Tavira, were attracted to the odour of both prey species. Next, we tested the response of laboratory-reared Sintra C. algerina individuals that had been maintained with no prior experience with the odour of either prey species. We found no evidence of laboratory-reared individuals being attracted to the odour of either prey species in the olfactometer. These findings suggest that prior experience mediates responsiveness of C. algerina to the odour of local prey.

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Availability of data and materials

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

AMC thanks Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia for the financial support it provided through national funds. We would also like to thank the National Geographic Society (grant (WW-146R-17) and the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund for financial assistance to RRJ.

Funding

Our research was assisted by grants to RRJ from the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund (M1096) and the National Geographic Society (WW-146R-17), and AMC from FCT/MCTES (UIDP/50017/2020 + UIDB/50017/2020) through national funds. AMC is currently funded by national funds (OE), through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., in the scope of the framework contract foreseen in the numbers 4, 5 and 6 of the article 23, of the Decree-Law 57/2016, of August 29, changed by Law 57/2017, of July 19.

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AMC carried out experiments and analysed the data. Both authors conceptualised the study and contributed to the writing of the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Ana M. Cerveira.

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Cerveira, A.M., Jackson, R.R. Inter-population variation and phenotypic plasticity in kairomone use by a poly-specialist spider-eating predator. J Ethol 40, 37–48 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10164-021-00725-y

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