Predatory Behavior ofArgiope argentata(Fabricius)

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Abstract
SYNOPSIS. Insects striking the web of Argiope argentata evoke a complex sequence of behaviors. These involve prey-location, prey-immobilization, prey-transport, and preymanipulation before feeding. The behavioral elements which form a sequence are not always the same nor do they always occur in the same order. This paper describes some commonly occurring sequences and reports on progress in the experimental analysis of the external stimuli which affect the form of such sequences. Particular emphasis is given to the stimuli which affect the first response to contact with the prey. The initial response to butterflies and moths is a long bite, whereas all other insects, except the very smallest, are wrapped in silk. This special response to Lepidoptera is probably adaptive since it applies very rapid restraint to insects which can escape rapidly from spiders' webs. The long bite given to Lepidoptera is based on a discrimination which is not affected by vibration, weight, size, or shape. Experiments suggest that discrimination is based on surface texture. The functional significance of other elements of the behavioral sequences is discussed.

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