Creative problem solving in a jumping spider

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)