The interplay of ecological and evolutionary processes in the spread of the invasive spider Mermessus trilobatus (Araneae: Linyphiidae) in Europe

当今生物多样性变化最深刻的驱动因素之一是物种在山脉(例如大陆)之间的扩散过程，以及随后对栖息地的入侵。一旦确定，迅速扩大活动范围的能力是决定一个物种是否成为入侵物种的关键特征。对于不同物种的入侵过程，已经从理论上预测和经验上观察到了范围扩展过程中的加速扩散模式，并将其归因于生态和进化过程。在这个项目中，我们研究了欧洲最丰富的外来蜘蛛之一--三叶文昌鱼在空间和时间上的加速传播。该项目分为两个相辅相成的子项目，一方面侧重于验证理论预测的模拟模型，另一方面侧重于经验实地工作和实验室测试，以确定三裂文蛤的具体特征。通过这一点，我们打算解开生态和进化过程之间复杂的相互作用，并确定最相关的驱动因素及其相互作用，这些驱动因素及其相互作用决定了文冠鱼在欧洲的传播。完善的经验数据库、模型模拟和生态和进化过程的实验室测试的实用性相结合，为了解节肢动物物种入侵的驱动机制提供了独特的机会。我们进一步探索了该项目中开发的方法对其他入侵物种的适用性，从而为研究入侵模式，特别是加速传播提供了一个一般框架。

One of the most profound drivers of changes in biodiversity today are dispersal processes of species between ranges, e.g. continents, and subsequent invasion of habitats. Once established, the ability for rapid range expansion is a key trait that determines if a species becomes invasive. The pattern of accelerated spread during range expansions has been theoretically predicted and empirically observed for invasion processes of different species and is ascribed to both, ecological and evolutionary processes. In this project, we study the accelerated spread of Mermessus trilobatus in space and time, one of the most abundant alien spider in Europe. The project is divided into two mutually complementing sub-projects that focus on the one hand on simulation models that validate theoretical predictions, and on the other hand on empirical field work as well as laboratory tests that determine specific traits of Mermessus trilobatus. By this, we intend to disentangle the complex interplay of ecological and evolutionary processes and to identify the most relevant drivers and their interaction that determine the spread of Mermessus trilobatus in Europe. The alliance of a sound empirical database, model simulations and the practicability of laboratory tests for ecological and evolutionary processes provide a unique opportunity to understand the driving mechanisms of an invasion of an arthropod species. We further explore the applicability of the methods developed in this project for other invasive species, thus providing a general framework to study invasion patterns and especially accelerated spreads.