Effect of different sensory stimuli on the predatory and approach behavior of the funnel-web spider Allagelena difficilis (Fox)(Araneae: Agelenidae)
Author of the article:JING Qi ZHOU Qiong** OU Dan-Xia TAN Can
Author's Workplace：College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
Key Words：Allagelena difficilis, sensation, prey-capture, approach behavior
Abstract： [Objectives] Spiders senses play an important role in the process of prey detection and capture. By studying the effects of Allagelena difficilis (Fox) senses on their prey-capture and approach behavior,, we can gain a better understanding the primary factors underlying funnel-web spider predation. [Methods] Y-tube olfactometer test, visual shielding test and web-removal test were conducted under laboratory conditions. [Results] The visual and olfactory senses of A. difficilis had little influence on its approach to prey and predation behavior, but the spider’s web had a significant effect on these behaviors: there was no significant difference in the number of A.difficilis that chose the fork containing preys in the Y-tube olfactometer and those that did not (P>0.05), and prey consumption of A.difficilis whose eyes were shielded with black ink was also not significantly different to those whose eyes were not shielded (P>0.05). However, the prey consumption of spiders whose webs had been removed was significantly lower (P<0.01) than those which had not had their webs removed. After the removed webs had been repaired, the prey consumption of the both spider groups was similar. [Conclusion] A. difficilis depends primarily on mechanical senses transmitted via its web to detect and capture prey rather than on visual and olfactory senses. Vibratory / acoustic and tactile cues may be important factors affecting the prey-capture behavior of A. difficilis.