Data from: An easy method to sample headspace pheromones in the field
Data files
Mar 16, 2026 version files 27.02 KB
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daten_paper.xlsx
25.25 KB
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README.md
1.77 KB
Abstract
Signal evolution is complex as it is subject to multiple, often antagonistic selection pressures, and the result is expected to be a compromise between getting the signal to the desired recipient at minimal costs and avoiding or at least minimizing reception by an unwanted audience. In comparison to other modalities, we know very little about chemical signals, even though they are particularly widespread across many taxa, including spiders. Spiders use volatile chemicals to attract prey and mating partners, but are predominantly studied in the laboratory. This leaves a gap in our knowledge concerning the natural context and environment for signalling in this large arthropod group. The chemical nature of the sex-pheromone is known for 12 spider species, including the wasp-spider Argiope bruennichi. Recent laboratory experiments with this species have shown that pheromone production is condition-dependent and that females invest strategically in signalling. One consistent result from the lab was that freshly matured females do not emit pheromones for at least 3 days. However, in the field, many freshly matured females have one or more guarding males in their webs, putting our laboratory results into question. To solve this incongruity, a method for sampling under field conditions was required. Here, we present a simple method that we developed to sample the pheromone emission of an orb-web spider in the field. We verify the validity of the method by comparing pheromone amounts in the headspace with body extracts using females in different developmental stages.
This dataset consists of an Excel file named: daten_paper.xlsx
Excel data sheet (colour difference shown for Charcoal filter and female body extract)
Table 1: Calculation of Pheromone:
Calculation of the Pheromone amounts measured by GC-MS
- GC-MS number: GC-MS sample number
- Sample: Female body-extract or Charcoal-filter ID
- Focus/Control: weather sample is from a Focus or Control female
- Standard-Peak: Peak of the Octadecane (C18) in the mass spectrum, always around 7.1 minutes
- Pheromone-Preak: Peak of the Trimethyl-methylcitrate in the mass spectogram, always around 5.9 minutes
- AREA Pheromone and AREA Standard: Area of the Peak, which refers to particles measured per Minute
- Calculation of the Pheromone amount in the samples (important: concentration of Standard is 0,25 µg C18 in Charcoal filters and 0,5µg C18 in Body-extracts) using the formula: (AREA Pheromon-Peak*Standard[µg])/AREA Standard-Peak)
Table 2: Data Sheet. The data for the calculation on the sheet is organised and refined
Table 3 data_paper:
Data used for the Correlation Analysis 1 in R -> Used all samples where Pheromone was measured
- Sample number: Sample number plus C or F for Control or Focus
- ID: Sample ID for Correlation Analysis
- Pheromone HSP: Pheromone amount measured in the headspace of the Female (µg)
- Pheromone FEM: Pheromone amount measured in body extract of the same Female (µg)
Table 4 data_graph:
Data used for the Correlation Analysis 2 in R -> Used all samples
- Female ID: Number of females
- Pheromone HSP: Pheromone amount measured in the headspace of the Female (µg)
- Pheromone FEM: Pheromone amount measured in the body extract of the same Female (µg)