Material properties of evolutionary diverse spider silks described by variation in a single structural parameter [PDF]
, 2016 Spider major ampullate gland silks (MAS) vary greatly in material properties among species but, this variation is shown here to be confined to evolutionary shifts along a single universal performance trajectory.
Blackledge, Todd A +5 more
core +4 more sources
Ancient properties of spider silks revealed by the complete gene sequence of the prey-wrapping silk protein (AcSp1). [PDF]
, 2012 Spider silk fibers have impressive mechanical properties and are primarily composed of highly repetitive structural proteins (termed spidroins) encoded by a single gene family.
Ayoub, Nadia A +3 more
core +2 more sources
Sperm Transfer Under Behavioral and Morphological Constraints in the Orb‐Web Spider Genus Argiope
Integrative Zoology, EarlyView.The polygamous mating system of the orb‐web spider genus Argiope provides a model to study the evolution of sperm transfer under morphological and behavioral constraints. This helps us to understand how male and female behavioral and morphological reproductive traits influence sperm transfer.
Chathuranga Dharmarathne +3 more
wiley +1 more source
Areal expansion of Argiope bruennichi (Araneae: Araneidae) in Germany : can we rely on earlier records? [PDF]
, 2013 The areal expansion of Argiope bruennichi (SCOPOLl, 1772) in Germany has been pretty accurately documented in the last few decades. From the early expansion phase around 1900, however, there exist only few detailed facts.
Sacher, Peter
core
Integrative Zoology, EarlyView.Sexual cannibalism (SC), where one mating partner consumes the other in the context of mating, is especially prevalent among spiders. However, the evolution of SC in spiders is still not fully understood. We review key hypotheses for SC and explore how female‐initiated SC has driven the evolution of various male counter‐adaptations to mitigate its ...
Simona Kralj‐Fišer +3 more
wiley +1 more source
Rapid spread of the wasp spider Argiope bruennichi across Europe: a consequence of climate change? [PDF]
, 2018 Numerous species are expanding their ranges towards the North Pole, a pattern that is usually explained with climate change. However, few studies have actually tested the potential role of climate in such range expansions.
Entling, Martin +3 more
core
Faunistic spider collections in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin: The collection of Erich Hesse [PDF]
, 2012 The ‘Hesse collection’ of spiders (Araneae) and harvestmen (Opiliones) in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is documented. Biographical notes on Erich Hesse – a former arachnid curator at the museum (1921–1940) – are provided.
Dunlop, Jason A. +2 more
core +2 more sources
An Easy Method to Sample Headspace Pheromones in the Field
Ethology, EarlyView.Females of the orb‐web spider Argiope bruennichi produces a pheromone to attract males for mating. Most of our knowledge about the pheromone and its strategical use by the females is known from the laboratory. While we have confidence in the validity of these results, we wanted to make sure and measure pheromones in the field.
Zoe Dössel +2 more
wiley +1 more source
Rapid range expansion is not restricted by inbreeding in a sexually cannibalistic spider.
PLoS ONE, 2014 Few studies investigated whether rapid range expansion is associated with an individual's short-term fitness costs due to an increased risk of inbred mating at the front of expansion.
Stefanie M Zimmer +2 more
doaj +1 more source
The FEBS Journal, EarlyView.Antifreeze proteins from winter‐active spiders were purified using their affinity for ice. After LC–MSMS characterization, corresponding transcripts were identified. The antifreeze protein folds as a β‐solenoid with a large flat ice‐binding site on one surface and can bind to ice crystals and prevent their growth at −4 °C.
Laurie A. Graham +3 more
wiley +1 more source