Predation risk affects male activity and mating interactions with well-nourished females in the wolf spider Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Abstract

Courtship and mating behavior is conspicuous and can attract eavesdroppers that pose a threat to both males and females. The body condition of females has significant effects on their reproduction, and therefore males should value well-fed females and be willing to take increased risks in exchange for the opportunity to mate. We tested the hypothesis that predation risk affects male activity and mating behavior differently based on the female’s body condition. We manipulated the body condition of female Pardosa milvina (Hentz, 1944) (Araneae: Lycosidae) and monitored the activity of males when placed on female substrate-borne cues with or without similar cues from their common predator, Tigrosa helluo (Walckenaer, 1837) (Araneae: Lycosidae). Males appeared to engage in a search for females on cues from well-fed females as they spent more time walking but covered less distance. Predator cues reduced this activity when combined with cues from well-nourished but not food-restricted females. In a second experiment, males were paired with females that differed in body condition and included treatments with and without predator risk. Females in good condition attacked males less and were more likely to mate. Males courted hungry females for longer, but with the same intensity as well-nourished females. Predation risk eliminated aggression towards males by well-fed females. In summary, males were able to identify the body condition of potential mates from chemotactile cues alone, but when females were present, predation risk had little effect on the aspects of courtship and mating that we documented.