George W. Uetz Professor Ph.D., University of Illinois Animal Behavior, Behavioral Ecology, & Arachnology

The major focus of my research is the behavioral ecology of spiders, whose small size, short life span, and behavioral diversity make them excellent model systems for intensive study. I am interested in the selective forces shaping the evolution of social and reproductive behavior, and use both field-based observational studies and laboratory experimentation.  My students, associates and I are currently involved in several research projects:

1. Wolf spiders – studies of multi-modal communication, mate recognition, sexual selection and predation.  This project investigates how spiders communicate using multiple sensory modes, and how illegitimate receivers (eavesdropping conspecifics, cue-reading predators) exploit spider signals. We use video / audio digitization and playback techniques in the lab, and record vibration and visual signals in the lab as well as in the field.  (Read More)

2. Colonial web-building spiders – studies of ecological costs and benefits of group-living and the evolution of sociality.  This project examines the ecology, behavior and genetic structure of populations of colonial orb-weaving spiders from tropical Mexico and coastal California.  (Read More)

3. El Niño influence on group formation and genetic structure of colonial web-building spiders. This project examines changes in the genetic structure of populations of the colonial web-building spider Metepeira spinipes on the Monterey peninsula in California, in response to to El Niño cycles.  (Read More)

4. Impact of a ecosystem disturbance on spider populations and communities – This project concerns the influence of environmental stress from a major natural catastrophe (a tornado) on fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in populations of spiders inhabiting a severely damaged forest preserve (the UC Hazelwood / Benedict Preserve).  (Read More)

Cartoon by Matt Persons

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 Research: 1. Wolf Spider Research | 2. Colonial Web-Building Spiders Research | 3. El Niño Influence on Colonial Web-Building Spiders. |  4. Impact of a Ecosystem Disturbance on Spider Populations and Communities