Predator-prey coevolution: Australian native bees avoid their spider predators

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Animal Behavior
• Predator-Prey Interactions

Background:

• Crab spiders (Thomisus spectabilis) use floral mimicry to lure insect prey.
• Introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera) are known to be deceived by these spiders.
• The responses of native Australian bees to these predators are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavioral responses of Australian native bees (Austroplebia australis) to crab spiders (Thomisus spectabilis) on flowers.
• To determine if native bees exhibit anti-predatory behaviors towards these spiders.
• To compare the responses of native bees with those of introduced honeybees.

Main Methods:

• Presented native bees with a choice between two white daisy flowers (Chrysanthemum frutescens).
• One flower was occupied by a crab spider, while the other was vacant.
• Observed and recorded native bee approach and landing behaviors.

Main Results:

• Native bees approached flowers occupied by crab spiders more frequently.
• However, native bees ultimately avoided landing on spider-occupied flowers.
• They preferentially landed on vacant flowers, indicating predator recognition.

Conclusions:

• Australian native bees demonstrate an anti-predatory response to Thomisus spectabilis.
• Unlike honeybees, native bees did not coevolve with this spider and exhibit avoidance behavior.
• Visual cues and color contrast between flowers and spiders influence native bee foraging decisions.