| Molecular diagnostics reveal spiders that exploit prey vibrational signals used in sexual communication. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21352388 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Vibrational signalling is a widespread form of animal communication and, in the form of sexual communication, has been generally regarded as inherently short-range and a private communication channel, free from eavesdropping by generalist predators. A combination of fieldwork and laboratory experiments was used to test the hypothesis that predators can intercept and exploit such signals. First, we developed and characterized PCR primers specific for leafhoppers of the genus Aphrodes and specifically for the species Aphrodes makarovi. Spiders were collected from sites where leafhoppers were present and screened with these primers to establish which spider species were significant predators of this species during the mating period of these leafhoppers. Analysis using PCR of the gut contents of tangle-web spiders, Enoplognatha ovata (Theridiidae), showed that they consume leafhoppers in the field at a greater rate when signalling adults were present than when nymphs were dominant, suggesting that the spiders were using these vibrations signals to find their prey. Playback and microcosm experiments then showed that E. ovata can use the vibrational signals of male leafhoppers as a cue during foraging and, as a result, killed significantly more male than female A. makarovi. Our results show, for the first time, that arthropod predators can exploit prey vibrational communication to obtain information about prey availability and use this information to locate and capture prey. This may be a widespread mechanism for prey location, one that is likely to be a major unrecognized driver of evolution in both predators and prey. |
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Authors:
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Meta Virant-Doberlet; R Andrew King; Jernej Polajnar; William O C Symondson |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2011-2-26 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Molecular ecology Volume: - ISSN: 1365-294X ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2011 Feb |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-2-28 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9214478 Medline TA: Mol Ecol Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Copyright Information:
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© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. |
Affiliation:
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Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Biomedical Sciences Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK Department of Entomology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. |
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