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Ayari Nakaka

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 003-006

    Ayari Nakaka & Kazuki Kimura
    Time to freezing: plasticity or rapid evolution. A preliminary study
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.3.6

    ABSTRACT
    The orb-weaving spider Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch, 1878) (Araneae Nephilidae), commonly known as Joro spider, was recently introduced into North America and has been spreading in the invaded territory. Several studies have suggested potential negative impacts of this spider on native communities. The present study focused on risk-taking behavior in Joro spider individuals from their native range. A comparison between our behavioral experiment and a previous study investigating an exotic population in the USA suggests that spiders tend to exhibit more risk-aversive behavior in the introduced region. Although it remains unclear whether the observed difference is an adaptive or plastic change, knowledge on the adaptability of Joro spiders to novel conditions is crucial for assessing their impact on the ecosystem.