The biology ofJacksonoides queenslandica, a jumping spider (Araneae: Salticidae) from Queensland: intraspecific interactions, web-invasion, predators, and prey

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Abstract
The behaviour of Jacksonoides queenslandica Wanless, a very abundant salticid in north Queensland rainforests (population densities: 6.6 ± 3.23/m2), was investigated in nature and the laboratory. Marked J. queenslandica made longterm use of their nests, which had structural similarities to both the sheet-like nests of the primitive lyssomanine salticids and the tubular nests of most advanced salticids. Sometimes, leaves in webs of other spiders were used as nesting sites. J queenslandica captured prey in webs of other spiders and away from webs, and was captured and fed on by other spiders, including web-building species, other species of salticids, and conspecifics. Females ate each other’s eggs. During intraspecific interactions, a large and complex repertoire of displays was used. Courtship versatility occurred, each individual male having a conditional strategy: Type 1 (visual) displays if the female was an adult away from her nest; Type 2 (vibratory) displays if the female was an adult at her nest; and cohabitation if the female was a subadult at her nest. Other combinations of displays occurred during male-male and female-female interactions. Palpal rubbing was an especially complex display which required considerable co-ordination of the posturing and movement of the two interacting spiders. Interactions in nature and the laboratory were similar, supporting the assumption that laboratory studies provide accurate information about naturally occurring behaviour of salticids. Apparently, pheromones on nests of females released male courtship. If the nest was vacant, the male often waited and courted the female when she returned.

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