Searching response of a wandering spider to potential cues associated with lepidopteran eggs

Authors

Rosa Isela Ruiz, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Kenneth R. Summy

Second Advisor

Dr. Brad C. Henry

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert J. Edwards

Abstract

Cheiracanthium inclusum (Hentz), a wandering spider, has been frequently observed feeding on the eggs of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), an important cotton pest. Wandering spiders are known to feed mainly on mobile prey, thus mechanisms used by these spiders to locate sessile prey remain understudied. Vibratory and visual are among the main cues used by spiders to identify prey. However, other sensory modalities such as chemoreception may be used but are poorly understood. This study investigated the types of cues utilized by C. inclusum to locate and identify H. zea eggs as prey. Results show that C. inclusum responds positively to substrates previously exposed to H. zea eggs and substrates containing moth scales. These results suggest that C. inclusum may be using a combination of contact and chemical cues from eggs and scales to recognize H. zea eggs as prey. Further studies identifying key chemical compounds may provide a better understanding on how C. inclusum perceives chemical cues and initiates searching behavior.

Comments

Copyright 2006 Rosa Isela Ruiz. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/searching-response-wandering-spider-potential/docview/304912453/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American