EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY

Eur. J. Entomol. 102 (2): 169-174, 2005 | DOI: 10.14411/eje.2005.027

Time of oviposition and reproductive success in Argiope bruennichi (Araneae: Araneidae)

Raymond LEBORGNE, Alain PASQUET

Expression et Evolution des Comportements, UFR STB, UHP Nancy I - B.P. 239, 54506 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy Cedex, France;

Time of oviposition and investment in reproduction output are a crucial decision for animals which could affect their fitness. In this study, the factors determining the time of oviposition and the consequences it has for clutch size and juvenile survival were investigated in the orb-web spider Argiope bruennichi. Egg-sacs laid at different times in the field were collected and inspected for eggs, hatching success and presence of parasites. Relationships between spider body condition, clutch size and time of oviposition were established. The influence of supplementary food on the number of eggs in a clutch and on the time of oviposition was determined both in the field and laboratory. Early clutches were larger and the eggs in late clutches were not heavier than those in early clutches indicating that spiders invested more in eggs at the beginning of the reproductive period. Furthermore, eggs in late egg-sacs were less likely to hatch and more likely to be parasitized. Clutch size was linked to spider body condition but not the time of oviposition. In the field, additional food to females resulted in larger clutches but did not influence the time of oviposition. Laboratory experiments showed that the daily rate of prey consumption affected egg oviposition.

Keywords: Time of oviposition, food intake, egg production, orb-web spiders, Argiope bruennichi, Araneidae

Received: October 11, 2004; Revised: December 8, 2004; Accepted: December 8, 2004; Published: May 3, 2005  Show citation