All animal species, from arthropods to vertebrates, must deal with stress from time to time in their lives, but most research on this has focused on vertebrates. Meanwhile, our understanding of the stress response in arthropod species, such as spiders, is just beginning. In the United States, an invasive spider species, the spider Trichonephila clavata (the “ornamental” spider) is spreading like its cousins ​​already established in the United States. T. clavipes (Golden Silk Spider) Previous studies have revealed that these two species exhibit unique behavioral responses to physical stress and remain dead for longer periods of time than other species. Here, we investigate the physiological stress responses of these species. Trichonephila We study spider taxonomy by assessing the increase in dorsal vasoconstriction (heart rate) in spiders after exposure to nonlethal stress. For comparison, we also assess two spiders of the same size. Orb spider (Garden spider) and Malvaceae (Striped garden spiders.) We record the spiders’ baseline heart rates while they are inactive and at rest in the lab, then restrain them under an electronic “photocardiogram” sensor for 10 minutes to record their heart rates during “stress.” Orb spider Heart rates are significantly increased for unknown reasons. All spiders have been observed to have elevated heart rates during restraint, but the pattern of increase over time during restraint differs between species. Notably, the heart rates of both spiders increased 100%. Trichonephila Spiders tend not to resist during restraint, so they show less change under stress. Orb spider Spiders frequently struggle, causing significant fluctuations in cardiac output. Trichonephila The spider has been characterized as having a “peaceful nature”, which may influence its ability to survive in habitats that are frequently disturbed.
Davis, A. K., & Vu, C. How to give spiders a heart attack: assessing the cardiac stress response in spiders of the genera Trichonephila and Argiope. Physiological Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/phen.12463
