Variations in Web Architecture of Argiope trifasciata (Araneae, Araneidae) and Its Relationship with Body Parameters and Entangled Prey
Variations in Web Architecture of Argiope trifasciata (Araneae, Araneidae) and Its Relationship with Body Parameters and Entangled Prey
Abida Butt,* Imtiaz Alam and Rabia Naz
ABSTRACT
In this study, relationship of some web parameters of the spider, Argiope trifasciata, with its body measurements was investigated. Also, role of stablimenta in efficiency of capturing prey was discussed by comparing web parameters and number of intercepted insects in decorated and non-decorated webs. For the study, 236 randomly selected webs of A. trifasciata were observed in the rice fields around the cities of Sheikhupura and Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. In the adult spiders, mesh height, capture area and capture thread length was positively correlated with IVth leg length; mesh size also showed positive correlation with carapace width and wet weight of the spider. However, body measurements of young A. trifasciata did not show any correlation with their web characteristics. Decorated and non-decorated webs did not differ in mesh size, capture area and capture thread length. No significant difference was recorded in the number of prey items intercepted by decorated and non-decorated webs. The results of this study showed that stablimenta did not increase prey interception efficiency of the web. However, web design of A.trifasciata showed plasticity that can be explained on the basis of studied body measures.
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June 2017
Vol. 49, Iss. 3, Pages 761-1149
