A qualitative analysis of hunting behaviour in jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae)

Abstract

This study establishes and describes the ‘set of responses’ performed by jumping spiders in catching prey. The responses consist of 3 primary patterns, each of which is subdivided into discrete motor elements, as follows: Orientation—Alert, Swivel, and Alignment; Pursuit—Follow, Run, and Stalk; and Capture—Pre‐crouch, Crouch, and Jump. The units of behaviour selected are characteristic of the hunting sequence, and as such are of potential systematic and physiological importance. The selection was based on the aggregate behaviour of a number of disparate New Zealand species. The distance separating the spider from its prey is shown to be a determining factor in the establishment of a particular response pattern. The effects of hunger and some other response control variables on hunting behaviour are considered.