Sexual cannibalism, competition, and size dimorphism in the orb-weaving spider Nephila plumipes Latreille (Araneae: Araneoidea)

• DOI: 10.1093/beheco/7.2.195
• Publication Date: 2007-01-13T11:47:48Z
• Authors: Mark A. Elgar; Babette F. Fahey
• Keywords: Cannibalism; Sexual dimorphism; Wolf spider

The degree and direction of sexual dimorphism varies widely, but in several taxa orb-weaving spiders, including Nephila, males may be less than one-tenth the size females. This difference is commonly attributed to selection through precopulation cannibalism: females either fail detect very small males, or ignore them as potential prey items. However, there often for male-male competition these species because can found on web a single female. We investigated experimentally effects cannibalism male body hence Australian golden orb-weaver (Nephila plumipes). Small were likely detected cannibalized larger males. excluded from central hub web, where mating takes place. conflicting responsible relatively large variation this species.