Spider Bio 3150 FINAL

Spider biology cornell

What are the notable traits of Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)?

Excellent vision, intricate courtship displays, and complex predatory strategies.

What are the key characteristics of Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)?

Use of sticky silk for prey capture, potent venom in some species, and maternal care behaviors.

Which group of spiders is known for having neurotoxic venom?

Latrodectus (widow spiders) are known for their neurotoxic venom.

What type of venom do Loxosceles (recluse spiders) possess?

Loxosceles possess cytotoxic venom.

Where are Atrax (Australian funnel-web spiders) typically found?

Atrax are found in Australia's forests and urban areas.

What type of habitat do Buthidae scorpions prefer?

Buthidae scorpions prefer deserts and arid regions worldwide.

What is the typical percentage of spider bites that result in envenomation?

Most bites (80%+) do not result in envenomation.

What are common threats to spider populations?

Habitat destruction, climate change, and pesticide use.

Why are mygalomorphs particularly at risk?

They have limited dispersal abilities and habitat specialization.

What are the notable parental care examples in non-spider arachnids?

Scorpions carry offspring on the mother’s back; Amblypygids guard eggs and juveniles.

What is a key feature of the Buthidae scorpion family?

They have slender pedipalps and a large metasoma with a venomous sting.

What are the benefits of group-living in spiders?

Cooperative prey capture and enhanced defense against predators.

List potential costs of living in groups for spiders.

Increased competition for resources and risk of disease transmission.

What distinguishes cooperative species from colonial species in spiders?

Cooperative species share resources and care for offspring, while colonial species live together but hunt individually.

What type of predation strategy do Pompilid wasps exhibit?

Pompilid wasps target large spiders as their prey.

What adaptations might spiders have developed to counteract bird predation?

Crypsis, speed, and burrowing are adaptations to counteract bird predation.

How do neurotoxic and cytotoxic venoms differ in their effects?

Neurotoxic venom affects the nervous system, while cytotoxic venom causes tissue necrosis.

Which spider is known for employing a unique hunting strategy involving mimicry?

Portia is known for its mimicry and cognitive hunting strategies.

What visual capabilities do Salticidae spiders possess?

They have acute resolution for hunting and motion detection capabilities.

What is the significance of urticating hairs?

Urticating hairs are defensive bristles used by some spider families to deter predators.

What is maternal care in scorpions?

Maternal care involves the mother carrying her offspring on her back after they hatch.

Define matriphagy in the context of spiders.

Matriphagy refers to offspring consuming the mother.

What characteristics are common among venomous spiders?

Venomous spiders often have large fangs and specialized venom for immobilizing or digesting prey.

What does the term 'selfish herd' refer to in spider behavior?

The 'selfish herd' concept refers to the strategy of safety in numbers among group-living spiders.

What are potential medical applications of spider venoms?

Spider venoms can have applications as painkillers and neuroprotective agents.

How does sociality correlate with prey size in Anelosimus?

Larger prey sizes favor cooperative behavior among Anelosimus spiders.

What distinguishes subsocial from cooperative behavior in spiders?

Subsocial behavior involves prolonged maternal care, while cooperative behavior includes resource sharing and communal care.

What is the primary defense mechanism of Theraphosidae spiders?

Theraphosidae spiders use urticating hairs as a defensive mechanism.

What distinguishes transient parental care from prolonged subsocial behavior?

Transient parental care is brief and limited, while prolonged subsocial behavior involves extended care of offspring.

How does web-sharing occur in social spiders?

High rainfall conditions may encourage web-sharing among social spider species.

Describe the hunting strategy of crabronid wasps.

Crabronid wasps are broader diet hunters that are less specialized in their hunting methods.

What venom type is most commonly associated with human dangers from spiders?

Neurotoxic venom is often linked to more serious human health risks.

What behavioral traits would you observe to distinguish cooperative from colonial species?

Resource sharing and collective care for offspring would indicate cooperative species.

In what environments would you expect to find Loxosceles spiders?

Loxosceles spiders are found in dry, dark environments in North and South America.

What is a key recognition feature of the Buthidae scorpion family?

They are characterized by slender pedipalps and a large venomous tail.

What is an important adaptation for spiders to escape from wasp predators?

Higher likelihood of escaping against crabronid wasps due to their less specialized hunting tactics.

What major ecological role do spiders play in pest control?

Spiders act as natural predators of various pest insects, aiding in biological pest control.

How do elevated areas influence social behavior in spiders?

Increased sociality is observed at lower elevations among spider species.

What physical trait do scorpions exhibit under UV light?

Scorpions exhibit fluorescence under UV light.

What is the primary purpose of defensive bristles in Theraphosidae?

Defensive bristles are used to deter predators through irritation.

In what way does the venom of Atrax differ from that of Latrodectus?

Both have neurotoxic venom, but Atrax is specifically dangerous in Australia's environment.

Discuss the evolutionary origins of sociality in spiders.

Sociality in spiders has independent origins, including cooperative and subsocial behaviors.

What practical applications have been researched for spider venoms?

Research on spider venoms aims to develop medical treatments like pain relief and neuroprotection.

Describe the phenomena of ballooning in spider species.

Ballooning involves spiders using silk to catch the wind for dispersal to new locations.

What differentiates urticating hairs from other defense mechanisms in spiders?

Urticating hairs specifically serve as irritants against would-be predators.

Name a feature that helps Salticidae in hunting.

Salticidae exhibit excellent vision, aiding their predatory efficiency.

What environmental condition favors sociality in Anelosimus eximius?

Increasing rainfall tends to favor sociality due to web-sharing.

Why is it important for spiders to have specialized venoms?

Specialized venoms allow spiders to effectively subdue and digest specific prey.

How do spider bites typically indicate health issues?

Spider bites may suggest infections or allergic reactions rather than envenomation.

Explain the term 'chelate chelicerae.'

Chelate chelicerae refer to pincer-like jaws used by spiders for capturing prey.

What adaptations do theridiid spiders display for prey capture?

Theridiid spiders utilize sticky silk to ensnare their prey effectively.

What is the significance of seasonal effects on spider and scorpion populations?

Seasonal variations can significantly affect population dynamics and survival strategies.

What type of taxa are known for exhibiting resource defensive behaviors?

Opilionids are known for aggregations that serve as a defense strategy.

What behavioral risks do spiders face when living in groups?

Living in groups increases competition for resources and the potential for disease spread.

Which species of spider is known for its effective hunting strategies combining visual planning and web-cues?

Portia is recognized for its combination of visual planning and web-based cues.

What ecological benefits do spiders bring beyond being pest control agents?

Spiders contribute to ecosystem balance through their roles in food webs and nutrient cycling.

What trait increases a spider's likelihood of escaping a predator?

Speed and burrowing capabilities enhance a spider's escape from predation.

How do ominous features of spiders help humans identify their potentially dangerous relatives?

Recognizing features like fang size and patterns can help identify venomous species.