Download Projektbeschreibung Non-consumptive effects of - gepris

Non-consumptive effects of spiders on herbivore and carnivore prey: occurrence,
importance, and mechanisms
Antragsteller:
Professor Dr. Martin Entling
Universität Koblenz-Landau
Campus Landau
Fachbereich 7 - Natur- und Umweltwissenschaften
Institut für Umweltwissenschaften
Fortstraße 7
76829 Landau
Telefon: +49 6341 28031537
E-Mail: entling uni-landau.de
Dr. Florian Menzel
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Fachbereich Biologie
Institut für Zoologie
Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7
55128 Mainz
Telefon: +49 6131 8948118
E-Mail: menzelf uni-mainz.de
Fachliche Zuordnung
Förderung
Ökologie der Tiere, Biodiversität und Ökosystemforschung
Förderung von 2012 bis 2014
Projektbeschreibung
In trophic interactions, predator effects on prey populations through consumption are often exceeded by
non-consumptive effects that predators elicit on prey behavior. Spiders can elicit strong antipredator behavior in both
insects and other spiders. However, antipredator behavior has only been investigated in a limited number of insect
and spider species. In addition, the mechanisms involved in the detection of predation risk (i.e., predator presence)
have rarely been explored in terrestrialsystems.In subproject A, we will investigate the occurrence and strength of
antipredator behavior across 18 spider and 18 insect species that cover a wide taxonomic range. The selection of
study species will allow to test effects of life-history traits on the magnitude of antipredator behavior. Traits include
hunting mode of the predator, relative body size of predator and prey, trophic level, niche width and dispersal ability of
the prey. Measured antipredator behavior will include both small-scale movement and the propensity for long-distance
dispersal. Furthermore, effects of the presence of predator cues on plant performance will be tested in the field.In
subproject B, we will use bioassays and analytical methods to investigate how the presence of spider predators is
detected by prey species. Spider silk, feces, chemical footprints, and airborne volatile cues will be distinguished as
pathways for predation risk detection. Further, mechanical and chemical cues of spider silk will be separated. We will
test if predation risk is detected via tactile senses, olfaction and/or contact chemoreception. Finally, the substances
involved in risk detection will be identified using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
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