Anti-Predator Strategies

Abstract

Despite being widely known as a diverse group of predators, spiders are also a regular prey item of several vertebrate and invertebrate predators. Some of these organisms (e.g., wasp species and araneophagic spiders) are spider- hunting specialists. A number of morphological structures and behaviours in spiders have been proposed to be anti-predator adaptations. They comprise strategies such as background matching, disruptive patterns, web decorations, mimicry, masquerading, aposematism, urticating bristles, spines, retreats, barrier webs, group living, and dropping from webs. In this chapter, spider anti-predator strategies are presented, and the correlational and causal evidence of anti-predator adaptations are critically discussed in light of potential costs and benefits they may entail. Studies involving Neotropical species are presented to illustrate most strategies.