The effect of food deprivation on aeronautic dispersal behaviour (ballooning) in Erigone spp. spiders

Adult male and female Erigone spp. (Araneae: Linyphiidae) spiders were kept without food for several days. Groups of spiders were tested for aeronautic dispersal behaviour (ballooning) in the laboratory. The validity of the assessment method was tested. In comparison with satiated spiders, the starved group exhibited an increased tendency to engage in aeronautic dispersal behaviour. A consistent trend for increased dispersal behaviour was detected in three independent experiments. Implications for spiders in agro-ecosystems are discussed briefly.