Movement Ecology of Adult Male Threatened Katipō ( <scp> <i>Latrodectus katipo</i> </scp> ) and Invasive False Katipō ( <scp> <i>Steatoda capensis</i> </scp> )

Studies in movement ecology are crucial for understanding how physical performance affects an animal's ability to find resources, including new ranges or mating opportunities. Invasive species frequently exhibit high levels of boldness and exploratory behaviour, enhancing their ability to establish and spread in new environments. Our study compared the locomotor performance and exploration behaviour of adult male endemic katipō (<i>Latrodectus katipo</i>) and adult male invasive false katipō (<i>Steatoda capensis</i>) spiders collected from a sympatric population. We compared the locomotory and exploration behaviour of these two spider species within the context of differences in their distribution patterns and conservation classification. We conducted three laboratory assays (maze, pole and track) to compare exploration, climbing and running behaviours, respectively. We found that male false katipō are more exploratory than katipō. This aligns with the false katipō's broader habitat range. Male katipō and false katipō had similar pole climbing behaviours, which may reflect the similar use of vertical space within refuges of the two species. False katipō completed the running track faster and more often without stopping when compared to katipō. In contrast, katipō would occasionally freeze while being followed down the track with a paintbrush. Our study provides insight into the comparative locomotor performance of katipō and false katipō, highlighting the potential impacts of physical and behavioural traits on invasive species success and native species decline.