Testing the differential cost assumption of the handicap hypothesis with a tropical jumping spider

Abstract

Abstract The handicap hypothesis predicts that more elaborate males attract more predators, but are also better able to escape attacks. Thus, a unit increase in trait elaboration has a lower cost for a high-quality male (i.e., differential cost). Although widely accepted, the handicap hypothesis has seldom been appropriately tested, especially concerning the differential cost assumption. Here, we tested this assumption using the jumping spider Hasarius adansoni. The courtship display of male H. adansoni involves bright white patches that contrast with their dark-coloured body. In experimental trials, we measured male escape capacity following a simulated predatory attack. Measurements of escape capacity were correlated to the size of white patches. Contrary to expectations, spiders with larger white patches did not exhibit better escape capacity. We conclude that this trait does not function as a handicap. It is possible that other sexual selection processes are at work.