Deceptive signals in spiders

动物交流包括各种信号，包括视觉显示、声音和气味。理解信号的功能是困难的，因为人类无法检测到一些信号，如紫外线。本项目研究视觉信号在两个蜘蛛系统中的作用：蜘蛛网中的装饰和蟹类蜘蛛的色彩。我们分析这些信号是隐晦的还是显眼的。它们是吸引猎物还是隐藏蜘蛛以躲避捕食者？我们的项目将对理解这些信号的演变做出重大贡献，并至少在一定程度上有助于解决围绕它们功能的长达一个世纪的争论。

Animal communication involves a diversity of signals including visual displays, sounds and odours. Understanding the function of signals is difficult because humans cannot detect some signals such as UV light. This project investigates the functions of visual signals in two spider systems: the decorations in orb-webs and the colouration of crab spiders. We analyse whether these signals are cryptic or conspicuous. Do they attract prey or hide the spiders from predators? Our project will make a significant contribution to understanding the evolution of these signals, and will, at least in part, help resolve century old debates surrounding their function.