Spider Movement, UV Reflectance and Size, but Not Spider Crypsis, Affect the Response of Honeybees to Australian Crab Spiders

摘要: According to the crypsis hypothesis, ability of female crab spiders change body colour and match flowers has been selected because flower visitors are less likely detect that used as hunting platform. However, recent findings suggest spider plays a minor role in predator detection some studies even showed pollinators can become attracted harbouring Australian when UV contrast between increases. Here we studied response Apis mellifera honeybees presence white or yellow Thomisus spectabilis sitting on Bidens alba inflorescences also made easily detectable painting blue their forelimbs abdomen. To account for visual systems spider's prey, measured reflectance properties experiments. We found did not respond degree matching (either chromatic achromatic contrast): they responded similarly spiders, control painted spiders. However reflection, size movement determined honeybee behaviour: probability landed spider-harbouring was greatest were large had high small reflected little UV, more reject if moved bee approached inflorescence. Our study suggests only large, but deceive preys by reflecting light, highlights importance other cues elicited an anti-predator honeybees.