Predator cues from jumping spiders modulate herbivore behaviour and reduce plant damage

Abstract Animals can detect their predators through cues left in the environment. These cues can alter prey behaviour and generate indirect effects that extend across trophic levels, potentially influencing the intensity of herbivory and the plants consumed by herbivores. Spiders are among the most abundant and diverse predators in tropical environments, yet their indirect effects on herbivorous insects remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the cues from jumping spiders ( Cotinusa aff. gemmea ) on the interactions between herbivorous insects and plants. We assessed whether the presence of spider tracks alters the behaviour of the green aphid Myzus persicae , leading to reduced movement and a decrease in reproductive investment. In addition, we assessed whether chewing herbivores exhibit lower leaf consumption when exposed to spider cues. We found that the presence of spider tracks caused aphids to remain immobile for longer periods and delayed the production of their first nymph, although it did not affect their total offspring number. In addition, we observed a reduction in leaf consumption by chewing herbivores. We conclude that jumping spiders, due to their abundance in vegetation and generalist feeding habits, may play an important role in indirect effects within the trophic chain. Their cues can be interpreted as a potential predation risk, modifying the behaviour of herbivores and resulting in a reduction of herbivore pressure on plants.