A behavioural analysis of contest and predation performance in the Australian bronze jumping spider (Helpis minitabunda) (Koch, 1880) (Araneae: Salticidae) : a thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biological Science at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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2025
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Massey University
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Abstract
Whole-organism performance encompasses the ability of an individual to perform ecologically significant tasks, including foraging, competition and reproduction. Performance is shaped by environmental influences, physiology, morphology, and behaviour. While there has been a lot of research into individual components of performance, fewer studies have investigated how components of performance might interact. In my thesis, I test whether predation and contest performance interact in the jumping spider Helpis minitabunda (Koch, 1880) (Araneae, Salticidae). In Chapter Two, I quantified the contest behaviour of H. minitabunda, examining juvenile-juvenile, female-female and male-male contest performance in controlled conditions. I identified patterns in contest escalation and tested how size influences contest outcomes. I found that contests in H. minitabunda consist of three escalating phases: the assessment, display and contact phase. I found that juveniles, females and males were equally likely to start the assessment phase. However, males were more likely to escalate into the display phase than females or juveniles, and both females and males were more likely to initiate the contact phase than juveniles. Size differences between opponents did not influence contest outcome. Juvenile assessment strategies most closely match the mutual assessment strategy. However, the assessment strategies of males and females did not match any traditional assessment model. My results suggest that there are differences in agonistic behaviour at different developmental stages in H. minitabunda. In Chapter Three, I assessed the predation behaviour of H. minitabunda in a standardised model prey assay and a voracity assay to quantify predation performance. I found a correlation between latency for the spider to emerge and prey capture success. However, there was no relationship between latency to first prey capture and the number of prey caught. This suggests that predatory traits are shaped by both personality traits and contextual cues. In iii Chapter Four, I tested whether predation and contest performance is correlated in H. minitabunda. I assayed predatory behaviour using a voracity assay, and contest behaviour using a mirror assay, both of which can be used as measures of aggression. I found no direct correlation between predation and contest performance. However, body condition strongly influenced voracity, despite controlling recent feeding history. This suggests that predation and contest performance rely on different traits for performance success. My results offer insights into how behaviour, physiology and morphology interact to shape performance in different ecological tasks in the jumping spider H. minitabunda.