Dynamic evolution of locomotor performance independent of changes in extended phenotype use in spiders

Many animals use self-built structures (extended phenotypes) to enhance body functions, such as thermoregulation, prey capture or defence. Yet, it is unclear whether the evolution of animal constructions supplements or substitutes body functions-with disparate feedbacks on trait evolution. Here, using brown spiders (Araneae: marronoid clade), we explored if the evolutionary loss and gain of silken webs as extended prey capture devices correlates with alterations in traits known to play an important role in predatory strikes-locomotor performance (sprint speed) and leg spination (expression of capture spines on front legs). We found that in this group high locomotor performance, with running speeds of over 100 body lengths per second, evolved repeatedly-both in web-building and cursorial spiders. There was no correlation with running speed, and leg spination only poorly correlated, relative to the use of extended phenotypes, indicating that web use does not reduce selective pressures on body functions involved in prey capture and defence per se. Consequently, extended prey capture devices serve as supplements rather than substitutions to body traits and may only be beneficial in conjunction with certain life-history traits, possibly explaining the rare evolution and repeated loss of trapping strategies in predatory animals.

Automated summary

Animals use self-built structures to enhance body functions, but it is unclear whether these structures supplement or substitute body functions. A study on brown spiders showed that the evolutionary loss and gain of silken webs as extended prey capture devices is correlated with changes in locomotor performance and leg spination. However, there is no correlation between running speed and web use, and leg spination only weakly correlates with the use of extended phenotypes. This suggests that web use does not reduce selective pressures on body functions involved in prey capture and defence.