Arachnid navigation – a review of classic and emerging models

Orientation behavior of riparian long‐jawed orb weavers (Tetragnatha elongata) after displacement over water

“…Arachnida are a group of arthropods that may be particularly useful for understanding animal orientation and navigation given their relatively large size, flightless nature, and slow movements (see reviews by Gaffin & Curry, 2020;Ortega-Escobar, 2020).…”

“…Most organisms must move about their natural habitat to achieve goals, such as acquiring food and water, maintaining a territory, or finding a mate. While the complexity and importance of each specific goal or resource vary, the ability to identify oneself in physical space is critical to the animal's success or failure (Gaffin & Curry, 2020; Papi, 1992). While these movements can appear random and undirected, such as recently metamorphosed amphibians leaving a pond, this is rarely the case (e.g., Malmgren, 2002).…”

“…The simplest mechanisms that guide animals through their environment include systematic searching, trail following, and path integration (Gaffin & Curry, 2020; Papi, 1992). In addition, more complex forms of goal acquisition include piloting and navigation (Gaffin & Curry, 2020; Papi, 1992). Organisms using piloting use familiar landmarks to orient and achieve a goal (Gaffin & Curry, 2020; Papi, 1992).…”

“…In addition, more complex forms of goal acquisition include piloting and navigation (Gaffin & Curry, 2020; Papi, 1992). Organisms using piloting use familiar landmarks to orient and achieve a goal (Gaffin & Curry, 2020; Papi, 1992). This form of orientation is used by animals as diverse as insects and nonhuman and human primates (Dyer & Seeley, 1989; Epstein & Vass, 2014; Hauser, 2003; MacDonald et al., 2004).…”

“…This form of orientation is used by animals as diverse as insects and nonhuman and human primates (Dyer & Seeley, 1989; Epstein & Vass, 2014; Hauser, 2003; MacDonald et al., 2004). This mechanism contrasts with true navigation, which involves the use of a compass and map sense to calculate a goal direction (Gaffin & Curry, 2020; Goodenough et al., 2009; Papi, 1992). Organisms utilizing this form of navigation can compensate for displacement to obtain a goal (Phillips et al., 2006).…”