Wednesday, April 24, 2024

envirobites

environmental science research for everyone

spiders

Ecosystems 

Oversimplified – Deforestation cuts down spider species

Brandi Pessman 0 Comments , , ,

We tend to value simplification over complexity in our day-to-day lives, but animals rely on complex environments to maintain diversity. When we cut down forests for agriculture, livestock, or manufacturing, we simplify environments by reducing the diversity of plants – a disturbance that forces out many vital animals. A recent study showed that converting the diverse Atlantic Forest in Argentina into rows of pine trees for paper production has had severe consequences for spider species. Can time heal the wounds caused by clear-cutting?

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Animal behavior 

Prey or Mate – Can web-building spiders tell the difference?

Brandi Pessman 0 Comments , , , ,

After reaching maturity, male web-building spiders leave their webs in search of a mate. The real challenge occurs once the male reaches a female’s web because the female could easily mistake male vibrations for prey vibrations. Not wanting to be the female’s next meal, the male needs to produce unique vibrations to identify itself as a potential mate, not prey. The female must decipher male and prey vibrations and delay attack when a potential mate enters the web. Will this be enough to avoid tragedy? Click to find out!

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Animal behavior 

Weaving Social Webs – A trick or a treat?

Brandi Pessman 0 Comments , , ,

Spooky season is upon us, and people of all ages will be planning social events involving the holiday. Humans are not the only social beings. Although rare, some spider species are social too, living in large groups and sharing a web and the prey it catches. Sharing resources can be a real treat, but do some spiders get tricked into doing more work? Creep into the article for more on this spidery tale.

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Animal behavior 

Stop Copying Me! – Spiders that buzz like wasps

Brandi Pessman 0 Comments , , ,

Buzzzzzz. It’s a wasp. It’s a bee. No, it’s a spider! Did you know that some spiders can make a sound? Palpimanus spiders can produce a wasp-like buzz by rubbing their front appendages against their mouthparts. Many animals have learned not to eat anything that buzzes for fear of being stung. To avoid being eaten, Palpimanus spiders have copied this sound even though they are entirely harmless. Stop by to find out what all of the spider buzz is about!

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