Olfactory learning in two Amblypygi species Paraphrynus laevifrons and Phrynus pseudoparvulus

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  Olfactory learning in two Amblypygi species Paraphrynus laevifrons and Phrynus pseudoparvulus Abstract A wide diversity of arthropod taxa have demonstrated the capacity for learning, but most of our current understanding comes from only a select subset of this highly diverse clade, with most studies focusing on various insect groups. Amblypygids (Order Amblypygi, Class Arachnida), however, are emerging as a model group for studying sensory integration and the neural substrates associated with learning and memory, especially as it relates to navigation. These nocturnal creatures possess specialized sensory appendages and one of the largest and most complex mushroom bodies - the part of the arthropod brain associated with learning and memory - of any arthropod. Prior field studies on multiple species demonstrate sophisticated homing abilities while laboratory-based behavioral assays in  Phrynus marginemaculatus  confirm olfactory-based learning associated with a refuge. I...

Behavioural variation in the invasive cellar spider Pholcus manueli (Araneae: Pholcidae)

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Behavioural variation in the invasive cellar spider Pholcus manueli (Araneae: Pholcidae)

Abstract

Behaviours such as boldness and exploration are highly plastic and as such, we expect differences between populations, especially for invasive species. In particular, populations at the leading edge of an invasion front may display differences in these behaviours relative to long established core populations as they are often key to their dispersal and invasion success. Likewise, in species with sexual dimorphism, the importance of these behaviours to invasion success may differ for males and females. Here we report on an invasive cellar spider, Pholcus manueli (Araneae: Pholcidae), that is expanding westward across the United States. We investigated whether boldness in response to simulated predator cues (physical and airborne disturbances) and exploration of a novel environment varied across P. manueli’s invasive range and between males and females. We found significant differences in the reaction to the simulated predator cues, but not in exploration. Although there was variation between the leading edge and core, the greatest differences lay between males and females from core populations when exposed to a puff of air. We additionally investigated whether females would be less selective of a potential mate at the leading edge. We found marginal support for this and uncovered interesting details regarding P. manueli’s mating system, wherein smaller females were more likely to mate than large ones. Overall, we found boldness and mating behaviour differences between the leading edge and core, but our data suggests greater differences lay between the sexes.
Salazar, A. R., & Rypstra, A. L. (2025). Behavioural variation in the invasive cellar spider Pholcus manueli (Araneae: Pholcidae). Behavioural Processes, 105259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2025.105259