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Neuroscience JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Manipulation of Color Patterns in Jumping Spiders for Use in Behavioral Experiments

DOI: 10.3791/59824-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Apply paint to small arthropods without impairing behavioral responses
  • ✓ Mount jumping spiders safely under microscope for precise manipulation
  • ✓ Design color-pattern modifications for behavioral and selection studies
  • ✓ Assess behavioral effects of paint treatments post-application
Protocol

The goal of this protocol is to manipulate the color patterns of jumping spiders and other very small arthropods with paint in order to study questions related to sexual selection, sexual cannibalism, predation, aposematism, or any other field of animal coloration.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~20–30 min per spider (including drying and behavioral assessment)
Model organism
Jumping spider (Salticidae)

Steps

1
Prepare equipment and workspace setup

Assemble microscope, pins/nails, paint supplies, and other materials needed for spider manipulation. Organize workspace to safely handle small arthropods during the procedure.

▶ 00:51
2
Mount spider under the microscope

Secure the jumping spider on a pin or nail under stereomicroscopic magnification to enable precise visualization of target coloration areas.

▶ 02:28
3
Paint spider coloration patterns precisely

Apply paint to designated body regions of the spider using fine tools while monitoring under microscope. Allow paint to dry adequately before proceeding.

▶ 03:12
4
Document spider and release from mount

Photograph the painted spider for reference and documentation, then carefully remove it from the pin or nail and release it.

▶ 05:48
5
Assess behavioral effects of paint treatment

Observe and record spider behavior (locomotion, feeding, courtship, or predator avoidance) to determine whether paint application affects natural responses used in experiments.

▶ 06:19
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