Function of structured signalling in the black widow spider Latrodectus hesperus

Many animals communicate using complex signals composed of multiple components. In some, multiple distinct signal components are organized into stereotyped sequences. Few studies, however, have examined how such temporal structure might arise, or how this structural complexity relates to signal function. Male black widow spiders (Latrodectus hesperus) intermittently transition from a 'haphazard' production of three distinct vibratory signal components to a temporally structured multicomponent display during courtship. In this study, we examined the function of structured signalling during courtship in L. hesperus. More specifically, we examined whether structured signalling rates is predicted by male mass and whether structured signalling rates predict male mating success. Then, we experimentally tested the consequences of removing one of the signal components (abdominal tremulation) for male mating success. Larger males had lower signalling rates, suggesting a trade-off between structured signalling and mass. Males that produced structured signals more frequently mated sooner. Impairment of abdominal tremulation did not affect copulation success, but these 'muted' males took significantly longer to mate. Our study demonstrates that the temporal arrangement of signal components is important for male mating success in L. hesperus. (c) 2021 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the function of structured signaling during courtship in male black widow spiders (L. hesperus). Results showed that larger males had lower signaling rates, suggesting a trade-off between structured signaling and mass. Males that produced structured signals more frequently mated sooner, and impairment of abdominal tremulation did not affect copulation success but elongated mating duration.