Hanging by a thread: unusual nocturnal resting behaviour in a jumping spider.

ABSTRACT:

Background

For diurnal animals that heavily rely on vision, a nocturnal resting strategy that offers protection when vision is compromised, is crucial. We found a population of a common European jumping spider (Evarcha arcuata) that rests at night by suspending themselves from a single silk thread attached overhead to the vegetation, a strategy categorically unlike typical retreat-based resting in this group.

Results

In a comprehensive study, we collected the first quantitative field and qualitative observation data of this surprising behaviour and provide a detailed description. We tested aspects of site fidelity and disturbance response in the field to assess potential functions of suspended resting. Spiders of both sexes and all developmental stages engage in this nocturn

SUBMITTER: Roßler DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8127284 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature