Fitness consequences of predation risk at different stages of the reproductive process in the wolf spider Pardosa milvina
The wolf spider Pardosa milvina shows a variety of antipredator responses in the presence of silk and excreta from a larger wolf spider predator, Hogna helluo. Exposure to these cues likely negatively impacts various stages of the reproductive process that may ultimately result in lower fitness. We examined the influence of exposure to silk and excreta cues at various life history stages and during critical reproductive activities. We exposed female P. milvina to Hogna cues during 1) the penultimate instar, 2) after the ultimate molt but prior to mating, 3) during courtship and mating, 4) after mating but prior to egg sac production. We recorded female body condition (cephalothorax width, abdomen width, and weight) during each of these stages (with or without predator cues) and measured the following: the number of females that produced an egg sac, the size and weight of the egg sac, and egg number. We also recorded male body condition for each treatment. Results will be reported (much) later.