Preferência por padrões de cor em aranhas Colonus sp. e Chira sp. (Salticidae)

Abstract

Spiders of the family Salticidae use visual information in different behavioral contexts, including environmental exploration and the use of different plant substrates. In this study, we investigated whether flower color, when presented in isolation, acts as a relevant cue for microhabitat choice in spiders of the genera Colonus sp. and Chira sp. For this purpose, behavioral trials were conducted in an experimental arena using standardized artificial flowers in yellow, white, pink, green, and red. A total of 32 individuals were evaluated, including 15 Colonus sp. and 17 Chira sp., during five-minute trials, considering the first choice, the total frequency of choices, and the time spent on each flower. The reflectance of the chromatic stimuli was characterized by spectrometry, allowing confirmation of the distinction among the patterns used in the experiment. First choice was analyzed using a chi-square goodness-of-fit test with Monte Carlo simulation, while the total frequency of choices and time spent on the flowers were evaluated using generalized linear mixed models. No significant differences among colors were observed for any of the variables analyzed, either in Colonus sp. or in Chira sp. Nevertheless, the spiders visited the attraction structures and remained on the flowers during the trials, indicating interaction with the artificial stimuli. Thus, the results did not support the hypothesis of chromatic preference in microhabitat choice, suggesting that color alone was not sufficient to guide the selection of artificial flowers. The choice of these substrates may depend on the integration of other environmental cues, such as structural, chemical, tactile, or contextual characteristics.