The visual system of the Australian wolf spider Lycosa leuckartii (Araneae: Lycosidae): Visual acuity and the functional role of the eyes

Christofer J Clemente; K A McMaster; L Fox; L Meldrum; T Stewart; B Y Main

doi:10.1636/B09-96.1

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The visual system of the Australian wolf spider Lycosa leuckartii (Araneae: Lycosidae): Visual acuity and the functional role of the eyes

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The visual system of the Australian wolf spider Lycosa leuckartii (Araneae: Lycosidae): Visual acuity and the functional role of the eyes

Christofer J Clemente, K A McMaster, L Fox, L Meldrum, T Stewart and B Y Main

Journal of Arachnology, Vol.38(3), pp.398-406

2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1636/B09-96.1

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Abstract

field of view

focal length

resolution

sensitivity

Ocular arrangement and visual acuity were examined in Lycosa leuckartii Thorell 1870 (Araneae: Lycosidae), using histological techniques. Major structural and functional features of the visual system, including external and internal ocular organizations, resolution, sensitivity, focal lengths and the field of view, were characterized for each eye. Lycosa leuckartii had a large developmental investment in a specialized visual system with high visual acuity. The field of view extended 360° and displayed the potential for good depth perception. Anterior eyes showed average focal lengths (AL eyes 230.88 μm, AM eyes 276.84 μm), while the posterior eyes far exceeded them (PL eyes 499.26 μm, PM eyes 675.35 μm). Resolution of the anterior eyes was comparable to records in the literature for other lycosids (inter-receptor angle AL eyes 2.45°, AM eyes 1.85°), while the resolution of the posterior eyes was higher (PL eyes 0.78°, PM eyes 0.67°). Sensitivity of the lens (f-numbers) was highest in the secondary eyes and was close to some of the highest reported for Araneae (f-numbers PM eyes 0.58), but when receptor diameters were included in estimates, S-numbers were similar or lower than closely related species (PL eyes 17.5 μm2, PM eyes 17.6 μm 2). There is a clear distinction in organization and function between the posterior and anterior eyes of L. leuckartii. The posterior eyes suit long- range predator and prey detection, while the anterior eyes are best for distance judgment and prey capture. © 2010 The American Arachnological Society.

Details

Title: The visual system of the Australian wolf spider Lycosa leuckartii (Araneae: Lycosidae): Visual acuity and the functional role of the eyes
Authors: Christofer J Clemente (Author) - University of Western Australia
K A McMaster (Author) - University of Western Australia
L Fox (Author) - University of Western Australia
L Meldrum (Author) - University of Western Australia
T Stewart (Author) - University of Western Australia
B Y Main (Author) - University of Western Australia
Publication details: Journal of Arachnology, Vol.38(3), pp.398-406
Publisher: American Arachnological Society
Date published: 2010
DOI: 10.1636/B09-96.1
ISSN: 0161-8202
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449594602621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Entomology

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