Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research

While much is known about sexual selection and animal mate choice, how animals choose a partner, what signals are important, and the effect these choices have on their future offspring is an open question for many species. The jumping spider genus Phidippus is comprised of around 70 species and contains the largest jumping spiders in the US. They are known to be curious, relatively long-lived, and excellent candidates for mating studies. Phidippus regius (Regal Jumping Spider) and Phidippus otiosus (Canopy Jumping Spider) in particular are known to live in close proximity and hybridize even though they have different colors, patterns, sizes, and courtship behaviors (one only uses visual signals while the other uses both visual and vibratory components). These drastic differences with hybridization begs the question, why are these animals willing to mate across species boundaries and what signals (if any) are used to identify a potential mate? Research so far suggests that at P. regius are indiscriminate during their first mating encounter but become more discriminating after mating the first time. However, what characteristics or behaviors these individuals are assessing is unclear, as well as who is facilitating discrimination. This project will focus on P. otiosus conspecific mating trials as well as interactions between both species. We are also raising hybrid offspring to understand their morphology and behavior. This research will contribute to our understanding of (1) mating patterns, (2) how signals  are (or not) important in mate choice, and (3) implications  for hybridization. This research opportunity will primarily take place in person.