Creative problem solving in a jumping spider
Description
Dataset from laboratory experimental data collection of nest construction behaviour to test Toxeus maxillosus females’ behavioral flexibility and innovativeness. Experimental Design: Spiders were introduced into experimental apparatuses the day after mating (10:00–11:00 am). Nest building processes were monitored over seven days within each experimental apparatus. Once completion of a visible three-dimensional ellipsoidal prototype nest, spiders were transferred to new test conditions. Data Collection: Time allocation in nest construction and nest morphological parameters obtained via videos (SONY FDR-AX60) and photographs (Nikon D750) (Supplementary Figure S2). File Structure: Single .xlsx file with two integrated worksheets: 1. nesting_time: Temporal variables (units: hours) * latency: Time from entering the apparatus to the start of constructing the nest; * nest.duration: Nest construction duration, the accumulated time spent to construct the nest cell and frame structure; * non.nest: Non-nest construction time, sum of the time in which the spider did not construct nest since nest construction started, including sleeping/grooming/eating. * total.time: Cumulative duration from introduction to nest prototype completion. 2. nest_size: Morphometric variables * in.L, in.W, in.H: Inner nest cell length, width, height (cm). * in.AB, out.AB: Inner nest cell and outer frame projected areas (cm², ImageJ). * area_ratio: out.AB / in.AB (frame-to-cell area ratio). * ellipsoidal_volume: Nest cell considered as an ellipsoid, and its volume calculated as (4π/3) × (in.L/2) × (in.W/2) × (in.H/2) (cm³). Shared parameters: * family.id: Maternal family line * mom.id: Unique female identifier * group: Different treatment (Tube-Control; Corner-Challenge 1; Leaves-Challenge 2; Dome-Challenge 3)