Fadia Sara Ceccarelli

Dynamics of Salticid-ant Mimicry Systems: a Study of Behavioural Ecology and Evolution in Two Genera of Ant-associating Jumping Spiders Fadia Sara Ceccarelli

The world of mimicry is vast and varied. This becomes apparent when we consider mimicry in arthropods, the largest group of animals on the planet. The strategies adopted by different mimics to improve their chances of survival by gaining protection from predators, or by becoming more successful predators themselves, are reflected in extraordinary morphological, chemical and/or behavioural modifications. These adaptations due to natural selection are worthy of being studied within the fields of evolutionary biology to further our knowledge. This book presents a study of behaviour in two genera of jumping spiders that mimic ants. It is therefore a contribution to the large field of mimicry in arthropods, aimed at biologists and naturalists with an interest in behavioural ecology and evolution.