Aditi Persad

Aditi Persad

Mentor

Dr. Lisa Taylor

College

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Major

Entomology and Nematology

Minor

N/A

Organizations

The Entomology Club, Natural Resources Diversity Initiative

Academic Awards

N/A

Volunteering

Science communication and entomological outreach through The Entomology Club

Research Interests

Arachnid neuroscience, cultural relevance of invertebrates, the utilization of native insects as biological controls

Hobbies and Interests

Miniatures creations, invertebrate husbandry, reptile husbandry, sculpting, terrarium making, bladesmithing, drumming, writing

Research Project

Effects of Hemipteran Defensive Odors on Pattern Preference in Jumping Spider Foraging

Predatory behaviors displayed in the animal kingdom are influenced by aposematic coloration commonly observed in insectivorous prey. The concept of predators employing behavioral responses to multimodal prey defense mechanisms has been applied to vertebrates, particularly avian predators, and supported by experimentation. Focusing on vertebrates leaves invertebrates learned predatory behavioral responses to multimodal prey defenses unexplored. In this project wild Habronattus Trimaculatus will be housed for 2 weeks prior to experiment and fed crickets two to three times per week. Leptoglossus phyllopus will be collected immediately prior to experiment, and placed into transparent petri dishes with filter paper, the dishes will be shaken and defensive secretions from Leptoglossus phyllopus will be absorbed by the paper. Termites dressed in striped capes or control termites without capes will be placed into transparent petri dishes prior to spider placement. Spiders will be placed in an acclimation chamber within the dish for 10 minutes, then they will be free to hunt. The trials will be filmed, and the number of caped termites hunted will be recorded. The results of this experiment will provide increased awareness surrounding how jumping spiders employ their sensory perception to their hunting behaviors, and the scope of their cognitive applications. The neurological capabilities of predatory invertebrates have extensive applications in ecosystem preservation, biodiversity conservation, biological control, and invasive species mitigation.