A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species

  A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species Abstract The ability to adhere to surfaces is particularly relevant for cursorial predatory arthropods like hunting spiders, which often traverse relatively complex environments characterized by large variation in substrate properties. Here, we evaluated the adhesive performance of six hunting spider species that are common in eastern temperate North America and lack specialized tarsi for climbing smooth or inclined surfaces [Lycosidae: Pardosa lapidicina Emerton, 1885 and Rabidosa rabida (Walckenaer, 1837); Oxyopidae: Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845; Pisauridae: Pisaurina mira (Walckenaer, 1837); Dolomedidae: Dolomedes triton (Walckenaer, 1837), and Dolomedes scriptus Hentz, 1845]. We tested adhesion performance as shear load resistance (g) on a glass plate, and as the angle of failure (°) when the plate was gradually inclined relative to horizontal. Average angle of failure and shear resistance differed among ...

Disjunction in Arachnospila (Pompilidae: Hymenoptera)Convergent evolution or recent dispersal?

 

Disjunction in Arachnospila (Pompilidae: Hymenoptera)Convergent evolution or recent dispersal?

Abstract

Convergent evolution is defined as unrelated species evolving similar traits. A disjunct distribution is the appearance of species or groups of species in disconnected geographical areas. Is the disjunction we see in Arachnospila due to a recent disjunct distribution/long distance dispersal event or long-term convergent evolution? 

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/researchweek/ResearchWeek2025/all2025/218/