The influence of prey size and female reproductive state on the courtship of the autumn spider, Metellina segmentata: a field experiment

Prenter, John; Elwood, Robert W.; Colgan, Sharon

doi:10.1006/anbe.1994.1059

Cited by 26 publications

(19 citation statements)

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“…body size and fecundity, as measured by egg production or clutch size, in spiders (Petersen 1950;Bristowe 1958;Toft 1976;Briceno 1987;Rubenstein 1987;Vollrath 1987;Morse 1988;Uetz 1992;Marshall and Gittleman 1994;Prenter et al 1994). However, Marshall and Gittleman (1994) and Amaya and Klawinski (1995) found no evidence of a tradeoff between egg size and number in spiders.…”

Section: Clutch Sizementioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual Size Dimorphism and Reproductive Investment by Female Spiders: A Comparative Analysis

Prenter¹,

Elwood²,

Montgomery³

1999

Evolution

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Abstract.-We investigate the association between female reproductive investment, absolute size, and sexual size dimorphism in spidersto test the predictionsof the fecundity-advantage hypothesis. The relationshipsbetweenabsolute size and sexual size dimorphism and aspects of female reproductive output are examined in comparative analyses using phylogenetically independent contrasts. We provide support for the idea that allometry for sexual dimorphism is the result of variation in female size more so than male size. Regression analyses suggest selection for increased fecundity in females. We argue that fecundity selection provides the only general explanation for the evolution of sexual size dimorphism in spiders.

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Section: Clutch Sizementioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual Size Dimorphism and Reproductive Investment by Female Spiders: A Comparative Analysis

Prenter¹,

Elwood²,

Montgomery³

1999

Evolution

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“…The male enters the web as the female inserts her fangs in the prey. For the male, the timing of his approach functions to reduce the risk of being attacked by a hungry female (Blanke 1974, Prenter et al 1994c, Elgar and Fahey 1996. The female loses her prey unless she allows the male to copulate.…”

Section: Prey Stealing By Malesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intersexual Conflict in Spiders

Schneider¹,

Lubin²

1998

Oikos

103

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“…Observation commenced on 1 September 1991, several days before males are typically found guarding females at Murlough National Nature Reserve, Dundrum, Co. Down, N. Ireland (grid reference J 414 352). When a male was located guarding, the female was collected, measured (first leg length), weighed, dissected and counts were made of mature (>0.4 mm) and immature (<0.4 mm) eggs (Prenter et al 1994). First-time guarded females were compared, in a paired analysis, with their nearest neighbouring, solitary female collected at the same time.…”

Section: Field Surveysmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…During the breeding season, the webs of females are guarded by adult males (which do not build webs) (Bristowe 1929(Bristowe , 1958Blanke 1974;Rubenstein 1987), possibly for several days prior to mating, which occurs when a fly of a suitable size is trapped in the web (Bristowe 1929(Bristowe , 1958Blanke 1974;Prenter et al 1994). Males, therefore, must invest a considerable period of time, but the actual duration of guarding cannot be predicted.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessments and decisions in Metellina segmentata (Araneae: Metidae): evidence of a pheromone involved in mate guarding

Prenter

Elwood

Montgomery

1994

Behav Ecol Sociobiol

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Assessments and decision-making underlying the initiation of mate guarding in a common web-building spider, Metellina segmentata, are examined in a series of field and laboratory studies. Adult males do not build webs but wander in search of females and mating opportunities. Adult males then wait at the edge of the webs of females and guard them prior to courtship and mating. Guarded females were heavier, larger and carried more mature eggs than solitary females. An active process of information gathering is apparent from introductions of males to the webs of females. Males make accurate assessments about female quality, even in the absence of the resident female. Cues involving web architecture are not used. Males may assess pheromonal cues on the web of the female in deciding whether to guard or abandon a female.

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The influence of prey size and female reproductive state on the courtship of the autumn spider, Metellina segmentata: a field experiment

Cited by 26 publications

References 0 publications

Sexual Size Dimorphism and Reproductive Investment by Female Spiders: A Comparative Analysis

Sexual Size Dimorphism and Reproductive Investment by Female Spiders: A Comparative Analysis

Intersexual Conflict in Spiders

Assessments and decisions in Metellina segmentata (Araneae: Metidae): evidence of a pheromone involved in mate guarding

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