Contrasting the behaviors of Spiders and Scorpions
Organism A: Portia Fimbrata aka fringed jumping spider; Organism B: Pandinus Imperator aka Emperor Scorpion
Jorge Valdivia
PID: 3710395
U01
Jose Roble
Scorpion and Spiders at first sight are seen as extremely similar organisms. This is far from the truth as the species are worlds apart. Each one has their own unique neurotoxins and behaviors, such as the Portia Fimbrata (Jumping Spider) and Pandinus Imperator (Emperor Scorpion). They are two completely different, yet similar and powerful pieces to the ecosystem. Portia is a genus, which features web-invasive araneophagic jumping spiders that use a trial-and-error mechanism in order to achieve their goal. These spiders show traces of higher order intelligence because they "learn" which choices are more effective in achieving their goals. These spiders apply this mechanism to almost everything they do: from feasting to escaping situations. The study of P. fimbriata peaks our interests in the study of cognitive capacities in animals (Klotczh, 2005). The predation properties and techniques of the P. fimbriata can be used to see the efficiency of these complex spiders. This spider has become very effective at taking on nearly every type of web-building spider. When the P. fimbriata exerts itself on the web of another spider it has the ability to manipulate the silk of the web, thus creating signals that deceive and control the behavior of the owner. Taking over a foreign spiders web via use of force and agility would not be an option for the P. fimbriata as a web becomes extremely sensitive to intruders especially one the size of P. fimbriata. The game that the P. fimbriata spider plays is a dangerous one considering the resident spider is to like itself, a predator. It is the art of deception with other spiders that is a game P. fimbriata may pay for it with its life (Jackson and Wilcox 1998). The P. fimbriata's aggressive mimicry allows it to use the resident spiders web to create signals, which will work to its advantage to manipulate the other spider. For example, running mating calls to trick the other spider into letting it's defenses down. It utilizes its trial and error method in manipulating the signals on the spider web based on the species of spider it has encountered before (Jackson, R. 1985). The manipulation of webs is not the only thing the Jumping Spider uses to its advantage when it comes to hunting. When hunting in the jungles of South East Asia its advantage comes from its patience in creating slow and stealthy movements combined with its camouflage in order to gain distance on their victim to pounce. Usually when it is hunting prey that is inferior to it, it will take them head on however when it knows its prey is stronger than them it will attempt a surprise attack. P. fimbriata mating takes place in the air suspended by the silk threads of the webs. The female in the process does not devour the male and it has been commonly observed that the male, more than likely, makes it through mating (Frasers, 2008). The P. fimbriata spider also has medical uses and is used in many homeopathic remedies to help or cure things such as boundary issues, sensation of paralysis, and possibly anorexia. (Klotzch, 2005) Pandinus Imperator, or the Emperor Scorpion boasts to be the largest of the scorpions. It has relatively poor eyesight, but it makes up for it by having well developed senses. Sensory hairs all over its body allow the scorpions to detect potential prey through the ground and vibrations. The emperor scorpion also fluoresces greenish-blue under ultraviolet light. The Emperor Scorpion is found throughout Northern Africa exclusively. In contrast to P. fimbriata, the Emperor Scorpion is often found burrowed underneath soil and rocks. (Prendini, 2003). The venom of the Emperor Scorpion is known in the medicinal world for containing properties that are anti-malarial and to have anti-bacterial agents when
