Dangerous mating systems: signal complexity, signal content and neural capacity in spiders

• Published in: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews Vol. 46 Pt 4; pp. 509 - 518
• Main Authors: Herberstein, M E, Wignall, A E, Hebets, E A, Schneider, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.2014
• Subjects: Animals; Female; Male; Predatory Behavior - physiology; Sex Characteristics; Sexual Behavior, Animal - physiology; Spiders - physiology; Vibration; Vibrations; Spider; Multi-modal signals; Sexual cannibalism; Communication

Spiders are highly efficient predators in possession of exquisite sensory capacities for ambushing prey, combined with machinery for launching rapid and determined attacks. As a consequence, any sexually motivated approach carries a risk of ending up as prey rather than as a mate. Sexual selection h...