Best Spider Friends Forever: Female-female socialization and cohabitation in intertidal jumping spiders (Terralonus californicus)
Date
2023-09-28
Authors
Mali, Paula
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Abstract
Jumping spiders are rarely social, guarding their nests and eggs. However, some exceptions have been recorded sharing interconnected webs. This study investigates social repulsion and attraction between female intertidal jumping spiders (Terralonus californicus). In each trial, an intruder spider was introduced to a resident spider’s nest. We compared the sociality of resident spiders with and without egg sacs laid. Overall, the trials showed low rates of repulsion in both egg presences and absences. In most of the trials, the resident and intruder spiders were observed nesting together. Additionally, other social spiders are suggested to benefit from cooperative egg-laying. We proposed that the spiders are more likely to lay eggs in a nest with preexisting egg clutches. The experiment found that on average, more egg sacs were laid in the trials where eggs were previously present. Further research could be conducted to investigate the benefits of female spiders cohabiting and laying eggs together.
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Keywords
Jumping spiders, sociality, cohabitation, social spiders, Terralonus, cooperative brood care