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Abstract
In Batesian mimicry, mimetic traits are not always as convincing as predicted by theory—in fact, inaccurate mimicry with only a superficial model resemblance is common and taxonomically widespread. The “selection trade-offs hypothesis” proposes a life-history trade-off between accurate mimetic traits and one or more vital biological functions. Here, using an accurate myrmecomorphic (ant-mimicking) jumping spider species, Myrmarachne smaragdina, we investigate how myrmecomorphic modifications to the body shape impact the internal anatomy in a way that could be functionally limiting. Specifically, via x-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT), we quantify how the spider's constricted prosoma, which emulates the head and thorax of ants, impacts the size of the central nervous system (CNS) and the venom glands. Although, relative to their whole-body mass, we found no significant difference in venom gland volume, the CNS of the ant-mimicking jumping spider was significantly smaller when compared with a relatively closely related non-mimic jumping spider, indicating that some trade-off between mimic accuracy and size of neural anatomy, as articulated by the “selection trade-offs hypothesis,” is a possibility. Our explorative evidence enables and encourages broader investigation of how variable mimic accuracy impacts the neuroanatomy in ant mimics as a direct test of the “selection trade-offs hypothesis.”.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e25680 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-10 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Comparative Neurology |
Volume | 532 |
Issue number | 11 |
Early online date | 17 Nov 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright the Author(s) 2024. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.Keywords
- Araneae
- central nervous system
- microCT
- mimicry
- myrmecomorphy
- RRID:NCBITaxon_74971
- trade-off
Projects
- 1 Active
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Unlocking the paradox of imperfect mimicry
Herberstein, M., Cassis, G., Giribet, G. & Speed, M.
9/02/17 → …
Project: Research