Multimodal communication in wolf spiders: Playback studies with visual and vibratory signals

Abstract

Previous studies of Schizocosa ocreata wolf spiders have shown that visual and vibration signals are equally capable of eliciting female receptivity, but that multimodal cues enhance female response. Studies also indicate that signals in both modes convey male quality information; females choose males with larger foreleg tufts or greater amplitude vibratory signals. Male spiders eavesdrop on both the visual and vibration signals of other males and exploit them to find mates. We examined female mate preferences and male eavesdropping using video-vibratory playback experiments. Female S. ocreata respond to playback of male courtship, showing responses to both visual and vibratory signals alone, as well as multimodal playback. Females also showed preference for male quality indicators in both sensory modes. Eavesdropping males responded to playback of male courtship with displays of their own, but responded to signal modes differently. Males displayed a higher rate of courtship tapping in response to isolated vibration signals compared to visual or multimodal stimuli. However, in choice tests, males responded with higher display rates with multimodal and visual stimuli. Results suggest that visual, vibratory and multimodal courtship signals provide information about potential mates and rivals, and that responses of males and females may differ depending on context.