Multisensory integration supports configural learning of a home refuge in the whip spider<i>Phrynus marginemaculatus</i>

ABSTRACT Whip spiders (Amblypygi) reside in structurally complex habitats and are nocturnally active yet display notable navigational abilities. From the theory that uncertainty sensory inputs should promote multisensory representations to guide behavior, we hypothesized their navigation is supported by a perhaps configural representation of inputs, an ability documented few insects never reported arachnids. We trained Phrynus marginemaculatus recognize home shelter characterized both discriminative olfactory tactile stimuli. In tests, subjects readily discriminated between shelters based on paired However, failed tests with either component stimuli alone. This result consistent hypothesis terminal phase recognition, can be integration as enduring, representation. hypothesize learning occurs whip spiders' extraordinarily large mushroom bodies, which may functionally resemble hippocampus vertebrates.