Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Biology
Date of Award
5-2022
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Thomas C. Jones
Committee Members
Darrell Moore, Lev Yampolsky
Abstract
Niche partitioning is a major component in understanding community ecology and how ecologically similar species coexist. Temporal and spatial partitioning and differences in foraging strategy, including sensitivity to risk (variance), likely contribute to partitioning as well. Here, we approach this partitioning with fine resolution to investigate differences in overall strategy between two species of diurnal, orb-weaving spiders, Verrucosa arenata and Micrathena gracilis (Araneae: Araneidae), that share similar spatial positioning, temporal foraging window, and prey. Through field observation, we found that V. arenata individuals appear to increase spatial and temporal sampling to compensate for an overall risk-prone strategy that depends on the interception and active capture of rare, large prey. Conversely, M. gracilis individuals employ a risk-averse strategy relying on passive capture of small but abundant prey consumed alongside the orb. We have thus identified how differing risk-sensitive foraging strategies may contribute to niche partitioning between otherwise similar species.
Document Type
Thesis - embargo
Recommended Citation
Long, Mitchell D., "Risk-Prone and Risk-Averse Foraging Strategies Enable Niche Partitioning by Two Diurnal Orb-Weaving Spider Species" (2022). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4040. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4040
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Behavior and Ethology Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Entomology Commons, Evolution Commons