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

A M Heiling1, M E Herberstein

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia. astrid.heiling@univie.ac.at

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|July 16, 2004
PubMed
Summary
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Australian native bees avoid crab spiders on flowers. Unlike honeybees, native bees recognize the predator Thomisus spectabilis and alter their behavior to prevent predation, demonstrating an anti-predatory response.

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).

Related Experiment Videos

  • 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.