A lion, a lamb, and a hyena: Comparative studies of the diets and behaviors of three jumping spider species

Bagheera kiplingi (Araneae: Salticidae) appears to occupy a unique niche as an herbivorous parasite on Mesoamerican ant-acacia mutualisms. I used field observations and stable isotope analysis to determine whether herbivory also occurs in congeneric Bagheera prosper. Documented prey captures and delta15N and delta13C results support the hypothesis that B. prosper is an obligate carnivore; comparisons between B. prosper and sympatric salticids also showed no behavioral differences. Field observations suggest that another salticid, Frigga crocuta, benefits from the ant-acacia mutualism in Panama by preying on nectar-robbing flies and avoiding predators through proximity to aggressive ants. Stable isotope analysis support the hypothesis that F. crocuta has a carnivorous diet similar to that of most other salticid species. Comparisons between B. kiplingi in Mexico and F. crocuta in Panama confirm that their behaviors are distinct. Collectively, these findings support the conclusion that the niche of B. kiplingi niche is indeed unique.