Untangling pheromonal communication
between and within the sexes of widow spiders
Our group is undertaking a comprehensive exploration of the chemical ecology of the Mediterranean Black Widow, Latrodectus tredecimguttatus. This species provides an ideal model to investigate how sexual conflict and high rates of sexual cannibalism shape the evolution of chemical signals.
We aim to disentangle the complex interplay of reproductive strategies by investigating pheromonal communication in all contexts: female-to-male (f-m), male-to-female (m-f), male-to-male (m-m), and female-to-female (f-f). Our research addresses key questions: Do female signals honestly reflect fecundity? How do males use chemical signals to appease mates and deter rivals? And do females use conspecific cues to select habitats?
Using an integrated approach of non-targeted metabolomics (LC/MS-MS, GC/MS) and behavioral assays, we will identify novel pheromones and test their function. This research will provide fundamental insights into how chemical signals mediate mate choice and competition.
We are actively seeking motivated students (BSc, MSc) to join this exciting project.
This project is funded by DFG FI 2963/2-1
Animal Metabolomics & Ecology 