All Outputs (4)

The emergence of manipulative experiments in ecological spider research (1684-1973) (2005)
Journal Article
Bell, J. R. (2005). The emergence of manipulative experiments in ecological spider research (1684-1973). Journal of Arachnology, 33(3), 826-849. https://doi.org/10.1636/0161-8202%282005%29033%5B0826%3ATEOMEI%5D2.0.CO%3B2

The history of spider ecology is discussed from its early beginnings in 1684 when the natural historian Martin Lister published his observations, to the post-war period up until 1973 when ecological spider research gathered momentum. While there have... Read More about The emergence of manipulative experiments in ecological spider research (1684-1973).

Detection of secondary predation by PCR analyses of the gut contents of invertebrate generalist predators (2005)
Journal Article
SHEPPARD, S., BELL, J., SUNDERLAND, K., FENLON, J., SKERVIN, D., & SYMONDSON, W. (2005). Detection of secondary predation by PCR analyses of the gut contents of invertebrate generalist predators. Molecular Ecology, 14(14), 4461-4468. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2005.02742.x

Predation by generalist predators is difficult to study in the field because of the complex effects of positive and negative interactions within and between predator species and guilds. Predation can be monitored by molecular means, through identific... Read More about Detection of secondary predation by PCR analyses of the gut contents of invertebrate generalist predators.

Can simple experimental electronics simulate the dispersal phase of spider ballooners? (2005)
Journal Article
Bell, J. R., Bohan, D. A., Le Fevre, R., & Weyman, G. S. (2005). Can simple experimental electronics simulate the dispersal phase of spider ballooners?. Journal of Arachnology, 33(2), 523-532. https://doi.org/10.1636/04-91.1

Here we describe the structure of a fall speed chamber designed to measure, with low experimental error, the terminal velocities (fall speeds) of spiders of known weight and a given length of silk. We also describe the construction of a simulated ind... Read More about Can simple experimental electronics simulate the dispersal phase of spider ballooners?.

Ballooning dispersal using silk: world fauna, phylogenies, genetics and models (2005)
Journal Article
Bell, J., Bohan, D., Shaw, E., & Weyman, G. (2005). Ballooning dispersal using silk: world fauna, phylogenies, genetics and models. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 95(2), 69 - 114. https://doi.org/10.1079/BER2004350

Aerial dispersal using silk (‘ballooning’) has evolved in spiders (Araneae), spider mites (Acari) and in the larvae of moths (Lepidoptera). Since the 17th century, over 500 observations of ballooning behaviours have been published, yet there is an ab... Read More about Ballooning dispersal using silk: world fauna, phylogenies, genetics and models.