Journal article
Ontogenesis, gender, and molting influence the venom yield in the spider Coremiocnemis tropix (Araneae, Theraphosidae)
Journal of Venom Research, Vol.1, pp.76-83
2010
Abstract
The demand for spider venom increases along with the growing popularity of venoms-based research. A deeper understanding of factors that infl uence the venom yield in spiders would therefore be of interest to both commercial venom suppliers and research facilities. The present study addresses the infl uence of several factors on the venom yield by systematically analyzing the data obtained from 1773 electrical milkings of the Australian theraphosid spider Coremiocnemis tropix. Gender and ontogenesis were found to cause a major effect on the venom yield, as adult female C. tropix yielded signifi cantly more venom than adult males. During ontogenesis, the venom yield increased with increasing size of the spiders. Furthermore, a signifi cant reduction in the venom yield during the 50-day time interval preceding a molt was found. On the other hand, extended milking intervals (up to 449 days) and different states of nutrition (as an indication of how well the spider was fed) did not signifi cantly affect the venom yield. Overall, the present fi ndings suggest that venom production in spiders is carefully balanced between the demand for venom and the energy costs associated with its production. It can therefore be concluded that, in line with the venom optimization hypothesis, venom is a precious resource for spiders, which have implemented control mechanisms to ensure economical venom production and usage.
Details
- Title
- Ontogenesis, gender, and molting influence the venom yield in the spider Coremiocnemis tropix (Araneae, Theraphosidae)
- Authors
- Volker Herzig (Author) - University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Journal of Venom Research, Vol.1, pp.76-83
- Publisher
- Library Publishing Media
- Date published
- 2010
- Copyright note
- Copyright © The Authors: This is an open access article, published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/uk/). This license permits non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction of the article, provided the original work is appropriately acknowledged with correct citation details.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450812002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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