Variation in the brain size and behaviour of urban and rural jumping spiders

Comparing the functional traits of urban and rural species can help reveal the mechanisms driving changes to biodiversity in cities. The aim of this study is compare traits of urban and rural species of jumping spiders, to determine which traits are required to exploit urban habitats. I will also investigate the association between brain size and behavioural plasticity in an urban context. I will visit urban and rural sites to collect all jumping spiders encountered. Behavioural traits will be measured for each spider, and I will calculate the brain size of three individuals from each species.