Reproductive interference between two sibling species of gift-giving spiders

Abstract

We investigated the possibility of reproductive interference between two sibling spider species, Paratrechalea azul and Paratrechalea ornata , which occur syntopically and reproduce synchronously. Males of both species offer a nuptial gift composed of prey wrapped in silk to females. Through laboratory experiments, we evaluated possible asymmetries in the outcome of heterospecific encounters between males and females, and investigated whether chemical signalling could function as a premating barrier between the two species. Males of P. azul were unable to discriminate conspecific from heterospecific female draglines, which resulted in wasted time and energy in nuptial gift construction. Males of P. ornata incurred a higher cost for discrimination mistakes because most of them were attacked by heterospecific females; 95% lost the nuptial gift upon the attack and 33% were preyed upon. This pattern is probably a consequence of differences in body size between males and females of each species. Both species showed erroneous female choice, but only P. ornata females courted heterospecific males, which are considerably larger than conspecific males and may resemble high-quality mating partners. Males of P. ornata also made discrimination mistakes, but at a much lower frequency compared to P. azul males. The selective pressure for precise recognition of conspecific female signs is probably stronger on P. ornata males because misdirected courtship may increase their chances of encountering predatory heterospecific females. This study provides the first detailed evidence of reproductive interference between two reproductively isolated spider species, showing that the costs paid by individuals of different sexes and different species are highly asymmetric. ► We provide evidence of reproductive interference between two spider species. ► Males of both species offer a prey wrapped in silk as a nuptial gift to females. ► Nuptial gift construction and acceptance is induced by species-specific cues. ► Individuals of different sexes and different species pay highly asymmetric costs. ► Selective pressure for species recognition is stronger on the smaller species.