Florez Blesgraeft, Mariana, M. (2019) Lit threads: A case study of urban orb-web weaving spider light preference. Master's Research Project 1, Ecology and Evolution.
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Abstract
A consequence of rising urbanization is the widespread increase in artificial light at night (ALAN), which interferes with species interactions and a range of behaviors. In order to elucidate its effect on urban species, I conducted a descriptive field study and a laboratory experiment with orb-web weaving spiders — Zygiella x-notata and Larinioides sclopetarius, among others — as model systems to test their foraging traits and preference in relation to ALAN. I hypothesized that smaller orb-webs at higher densities would catch more prey in the lit rather than unlit areas of each site. Furthermore, I expected that lightexperienced orb-weavers had a significant preference for lit over unlit habitats to build their orb-webs in. I found that the foraging traits in the field were not correlated with light intensity, while site was a significant predictor of all of them. L. sclopetarius showed a significant preference for the lit side of test boxes during the experiment, but Z. x-notata did not. This study clarifies the effects of ALAN on the behavior of urban orb-web weaving spiders.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Research Project 1) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Maan, M.E. and Helm, B. |
| Degree programme: | Ecology and Evolution |
| Thesis type: | Master's Research Project 1 |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 22 May 2020 09:10 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Jun 2020 10:07 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/21797 |
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