Predatory plasticity in Nephilengys cruentata (Araneae: Tetragnathidae): Relevance for phylogeny reconstruction

摘要: The plasticity of behavioural expression has been used as an argument against the use characters in reconstruction phylogenetic patterns. Nevertheless, itself may vary strongly among taxa, so that considerations about data must be complemented by analysis plasticity. Plasticity also distinct domains a single species. We have studied foraging repertoire N. cruentata using cluster method, order to identify sequences employed spider when preying upon either prey types or sizes. Foraging behaviour varies less with size than type. Variation predatory is obtained through (1) repetitions one same sequence categories, (2) at phases behaviour, (3) arrangement categories new sequences. Despite this responses prey, almost 40% common both large and small items; percentage lowers 20% we compare predation types. These results suggest should focus on building ethograms for Small variations prey/predator predator species selected are preferred type taxa. discuss implications 'single prey-type' approach behaviour.