20. Spider Preference of Prey Reared on Diets Rich in Iridoid Glycosides vs Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids

Abstract

To study the behavior of spiders when given the choice of prey reared on different diets (iridoid glycosides and pyrrolizidine alkaloids), Trichoplusia ni caterpillar hatchlings were reared on Gelsemium sempervirens (a plant rich in iridoid glycosides (IG)) and Eupatorium capillifollium (a plant rich in pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA)). A contingency analysis was performed with the following spider groups: Nephila clavata, Pholcus phalangioides, and Lycosids given the choice groups (IG v. PA) (IG v. Control) and (PA v. Control). Observations were noted on whether the spiders could make a preferred choice of caterpillar reared on the certain diet. A contingency analysis was performed to compare preferences of each spider group.