DNA metabarcoding to estimate diet overlap between the introduced Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) and three native orb-weaving spiders
Data files
Jun 12, 2026 version files 14.54 MB
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jorofemalandothermeta.csv
19.78 KB
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README.md
2.09 KB
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Schmidt6278-JS_sampleData-link.csv
14.47 KB
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Teplaur_tab_taxasupp.csv
14.50 MB
Abstract
The introduction of novel generalist predators to new ecosystems can dramatically alter species interactions and established food webs. Invasive predators may contribute to pest control services; however, a net loss of biodiversity can occur if invasives displace natives through intraguild predation or resource competition. Joro spiders (Trichonephila clavata) are an introduced, orb-weaving spider that show rapid range expansion in the United States. Trophic patterns of orb-weaving spiders are largely unknown, and as such, the impact of Joro spiders on established food webs is unclear. We explored patterns of diet composition and prey overlap between Joro spiders and three co-occurring, native orb-weaving species with molecular gut content analysis. In addition, we asked whether the composition of focal native spider diets differed at sites co-inhabited by Joro spiders. We collected female spiders from 52 sites within the Joro spider’s introduced range and analyzed gut content via DNA metabarcoding and high-throughput Illumina sequencing. While we observed overlap in many taxa detected in spider diets, the overall diet composition was dissimilar between Joro and native spiders. Joro spider diets were distinct, with at least 26 diet indicator prey taxa not detected in native spider diets. Moreover, significant changes in native spider diet composition were not detected at sites where Joro spiders were present as compared to sites only containing natives. Thus, our initial analysis suggests that while Joro spider diets do overlap with native spiders, their use of many unique food resources does not suggest strong competition. Additional research into web placement and spatial overlap as mechanisms underlying Joro spider invasion success should help clarify potential exclusion of native predator populations .
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.sxksn03jm
Description of the data and file structure
Description:
Three items are contained in this raw data package.
1) "Schmidt6278-JSsampleData-link.csv" provides the sample to plate location merge so that on a second step, the plate information can be used to merge with metadata.
2) "jorofemalandothermeta.csv", is the metadata for which sample represents which spider at what location from the design.
3) "Teplaur_tab+taxasupp.csv" is the raw output from the bioinformatic pathway for assigning filtered and qualtity controlled reads to taxa. The sequence for the barcode is provided and number of read counts by sample.
Files and variables
File: jorofemalandothermeta.csv
Description:
Variables
- PLATElocation: location in plate for a given sample
- date: sample collection date
- site: field location name for a given sample
- spider: species of spider
File: Schmidt6278-JS_sampleData-link.csv
Description:
Variables
- SampleId: sample identifier number that is used in the bioinformatic portion
- PLATElocation: sample location in plate to allow for merging with the sampleID
File: Teplaur_tab_taxasupp.csv
Description:
Variables
- ESV: exact sequence variant; number for the sequence
- sequence: barcode sequence
- Kingdom: taxonomic level
- Phylum: taxonomic level
- Class: taxonomic level
- Order: taxonomic level
- Family: taxonomic level
- Genus: taxonomic level
- Species: taxonomic level
- pctMatch: percent match with target sequence within the Folmer region of COI
- The remaining columns (S098571 through S099525) each refer to a sample containing the number of read counts from given taxa specified in taxonomic columns for a given ESV.
Access information
Other publicly accessible locations of the data:
- N/A
Data was derived from the following sources:
- N/A
