Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
3-28-1997
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
I review and summarize the scattered information on embiids (Order Embiidina), with an emphasis on details of colony structure and maternal care. I summarize experimental and observational field results from a detailed study on parental and communal behavior of Antipaluria urichi, a Trinidadian webspinner. Topics discussed include the function of maternal behavior, interactions with egg parasitoids, antipredator attributes of communal living, and possible functions of silk. I also compare features of webspinner sociality to other communal insects and spiders. In addition, I discuss promising topics for future study, including male dimorphism, the possibility of higher sociality, and communication systems.
Chapter of
The Evolution of Social Behavior in Insects and Arachnids
Editor
J. Choe
B. Crespi
Recommended Citation
Edgerly, J.S. 1997. Life Beneath Silk Walls: A Review of the Primitively Social Embiidina. Chapter in The Evolution of Social Behavior in Insects and Arachnids, (Eds. J. Choe and B. Crespi). Cambridge University Press.
Comments
This material has been published in The Evolution of Social Behavior in Insects and Arachnids edited by J. Choe & B. Crespi. This version is free to view and download for personal use only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © Cambridge University Press.