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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.09.05.611298

A three-dimensional immunofluorescence atlas of the brain of the hackled-orb weaver spider, Uloborus diversus.

Artiushin, G.·Corver, A.·Gordus, A. G.
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Abstract

Spider orb-web building is a captivating, rare example of animal construction, whose neural underpinnings remain undiscovered. We created a three-dimensional atlas for the hackled orb-weaver, Uloborus diversus, based on immunostaining for the presynaptic component, synapsin, in whole-mounted spider synganglia. Whereas spider neuroanatomy has thus far been most comprehensively studied in cursorial species, this optically-sectioned atlas contributes a continuous, finely resolved model of the central nervous system of an orb-web building spider. Aligned to this volume, we examined the expression patterns of neuronal populations representing many of the classical neurotransmitters and neuromodulators (GABA, Acetylcholine, Serotonin, Octopamine/Tyramine), as well as a subset of neuropeptides (AllatostatinA, Crustacean Cardioactive Peptide (CCAP), FMRFamide, Proctolin) - detailing immunoreactivity in an unbiased fashion throughout the synganglion to reveal co-expression in known structures (such as the arcuate body), as well as novel neuropils not readily apparent in prior spider research, including the tonsillar neuropil as well as a potential protocerebral bridge. These structures provide targets for future functional studies, and taken together could represent a spider equivalent of the central complex, contributing to behaviors such as web-building.

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Artiushin, G., Corver, A., Gordus, A. G.. 2024-09-09. A three-dimensional immunofluorescence atlas of the brain of the hackled-orb weaver spider, Uloborus diversus.. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.05.611298

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