Summary
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1.
The reproductive benefits and predatory costs of male-male competition were studied in the orb weaver, Nephila clavipes. During the breeding season adult males search for females, and congregate on their orbs.
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2.
Males compete for hub position proximal to the female, with the largest male assuming hub status. Smaller males move about the periphery of the orb.
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3.
Hub males gained the advantage of almost exclusive mating, and a potential advantage of feeding on prey captured by the female. Peripheral males pursued various alternatives, but rarely mated.
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4.
Females, the larger sex, occasionally preyed on males. The cost to males from female predation was no greater for hub than peripheral males.
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Christenson, T.E., Goist, K.C. Costs and benefits of male-male competition in the orb weaving spider, Nephila clavipes . Behav Ecol Sociobiol 5, 87–92 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302697
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302697