Ecology of the cave-dwelling tarantula, Phlogiellus sp. in Polillo Island, Quezon Province

Date

7-2014

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Aimee Lynn B. Dupo

Restrictions

Restricted: Not available to the general public and to those bound by the confidentiality agreement. Access is available only after consultation with author/thesis adviser.

Abstract

Taxonomy and ecology of a new cave-dwelling species, described and named in this study as, Phlogiellus kwebaburdeos Barrion-Dupo, Barrion and Rasalan was studied. In situ nesting and foraging behavior as well as ex situ notes on spiderling development were documented. In relation to other species of spiders present, P. kwebaburdeos n. sp. was found to be the dominant spider in Cave 3-4, and was distributed throughout most of the cave. It dwells in ground burrows similar to other species under this genus, but more often inhabits natural crevices found under cave floor debris, on wall crevices and on speleothems, particularly stalagmites. No P. kwebaburdeos n. sp. was found to inhabit guano substrate. Observations revealed that this species tends to be more of a sit-and-wait predator than an active hunter. Their tunnels not only serve as shelter and protection, but also play an important role in their food acquisition. Prey of this spider includes Phalangopsinae cave crickets, Platymantis dorsalis and Pycnoscelus striatus. It was found that sex is strongly associated with zonal distribution of P. kwebaburdeos n. sp. in the cave. More female spiders were in the dark zone while male spiders were in entrance and twilight zones. Females prefer dark zone primarily for protection of eggs against predators while males occupy entrance and twilight zones, possibly in search of mates. Meanwhile, maturity is moderately associated with zone most adults are in twilight and dark zones while sub-adults are mostly found in the twilight zone.

Language

English

Call Number

LG 993.5 2014 B4 /R37

Notes

Major in Genetics

status: in process

Loc: UPLB Main Library Cataloging Section

Document Type

Thesis

This document is currently not available here.

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