Date Approved

2024

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Biology

Committee Member

Cara Shillington, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Allen Kurta, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Katherine Greenwald, Ph.D.

Abstract

Aphonopelma hentzi is the most widespread and abundant tarantula species in the United States. While a distinct mating season is observed, it has not been well studied and the environmental drivers for the mating season are unknown. By conducting daily surveys on a peripheral population within Southeast Colorado, between August and November 2022, I found that after the first significant temperature drop, the number of mate-seeking males was significantly higher than prior to this temperature event. Mate-seeking males were significantly correlated with a drop in the water vapor pressure gradient, a rarely used biological metric for assessing potential water loss in an organism. Males were also significantly associated with the presence of cacti, and tarantula burrows were significantly clustered within the interior of the Comanche National Grassland, suggesting an association with certain vegetation cover. This study has implications for other edge populations and ectotherms and establishes a foundation for research on this species.

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