We investigated sexual dimorphism in feeding behavior and morphological characteristics associated with prey capture in the wolf spider, Rabidosa rabida (Araneae, Lycosidae). Female R. rabida attack and consume more prey than do males. In addition to behavioral differences between males and females, morphological features such as chelicerae size and venom gland size are also larger in females. These morphological differences are significant even after accounting for their positive correlation with body size. These data suggest that differences between the sexes in the relationship between fitness and foraging result in a dichotomy between male and female foraging behavior and differences in morphology associated with prey capture.
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The American Midland Naturalist
Vol. 146 • No. 1
July 2001
Vol. 146 • No. 1
July 2001
