Mantidfly larvae use cues on substrate to locate and distinguish different sexes and life stages of potential spider hosts.

ABSTRACT: In many animals, early-life decisions influence long-term fitness. Mantidflies are spider egg predators; their tiny larvae climb aboard spiders to find eggs, but little is known about how they find spiders. We tested the hypothesis that mantidfly larvae (Dicromantispa sayi) detect and respond to substrate-borne spider cues (e.g., silk and/or excreta). We presented larvae with filter paper exposed to different types of spiders (adult female, adult male, or juvenile Habronattus trimaculatus jumping spiders) versus a no-cue control. Larvae spent more time on filter paper with spider cues. We then tested the hypothesis that mantidflies make finer distinctions between spiders when given direct choices between these cues. Larvae did not discriminate between sexes but spent more time (and exhibit

SUBMITTER: Lietzenmayer LB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11551181 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature