Araneus ventricosus and Male Fireflies Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What role do the male fireflies play in the hunting strategy of the Araneus ventricosus spider?

  • They help construct the spider's web.
  • They are consumed to gain nutritional benefits.
  • They provide light for navigation.
  • They act as bait by emitting altered mating signals. (correct)

What was the primary observation regarding fireflies when spiders were present?

  • Fireflies were less likely to be caught.
  • Fireflies attacked the spiders.
  • Fireflies emitted normal flashing patterns.
  • Fireflies emitted female-like signals. (correct)

In which areas is the Araneus ventricosus primarily found?

  • North America and Europe
  • China, Japan, and Korea (correct)
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • South America and Africa

How do researchers believe the spider's venom affects fireflies?

<p>It interferes with the firefly's oxygen supply. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unusual observation was made regarding the male fireflies found in orb-weaver spider webs?

<p>They emitted a single flash instead of two. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished the wrapping of fireflies from other insects by spiders?

<p>Fireflies were wrapped in a light layer of silk. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did researchers test the hypothesis about the altered signals of fireflies in relation to the spider's hunting strategy?

<p>By dividing orb-weaver webs into experimental groups. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups was used as a control in the firefly, spider experiment?

<p>Group with no fireflies or spiders. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the timing of the orb-weaver spider's web building in relation to firefly behavior?

<p>It coincides with the mating period of the fireflies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What future research direction do the scientists intend to pursue?

<p>Investigating similar manipulative behaviors in other species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Spider manipulation of fireflies

Spiders modify firefly flashing patterns to attract them as prey.

Firefly behavior change

Male fireflies emit female-like signals when a spider is present, increasing their vulnerability.

Spider's possible method

The spider's venom might interrupt firefly oxygen supply, causing the flashing change.

Experimental setup

An experiment with fireflies divided into groups to test spider manipulation.

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Spider's targeted prey

Fireflies are targeted, triggering a unique behavior response unlike other insects.

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Spider Deception

A specific species of orb-weaver spider manipulates the mating signals of male fireflies to catch more prey.

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Araneus ventricosus

A nocturnal orb-weaver spider species found in China, Japan, and Korea.

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Firefly Mating Signals

Female fireflies use single flashes; males use double flashes to attract mates.

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Spider Web Deception

The orb-weaver spiders' webs trap fireflies by mimicking female firefly signals, thus attracting males.

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Research Methodology

Researchers at Huazhong Agricultural University investigated 161 webs, breaking them into groups and observing male firefly behavior to measure if the manipulation contributed to male firefly capture.

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