Evidence of Xysticus ulmi (Hahn) (Araneae: Thomisidae) Predation on Adult Cassida viridis Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

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  Evidence of Xysticus ulmi (Hahn) (Araneae: Thomisidae) Predation on Adult Cassida viridis Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) have several morphological and behavioral antipredator traits. For example, the soft larvae accumulate their feces and exuviae from previous instars to create a so-called “fecal shield” (Engel 1936; Kosior 1975), which functions as a defense against many predator guilds (Eisner and Eisner 2000; Eisner et al. 1968; Vencl et al. 1999, 2005; Vencl and Srygley 2013). Adults are characterized by their explanate and well-sclerotized pronota and elytra, which cover all soft parts of the body, thereby forming a tortoise-shaped shield (Buzzi 1988; Engel 1936; Jolivet 1997; Jolivet and Verma 2002; Selman 1988; Windsor et al. 1992) (Fig. 1A). Furthermore, the adults are known for their ability to grip firmly to surfaces with both tarsal claws and pads, which renders them difficult to capture (Buzzi 1988; Engel 1936; Joliv...

Insights on the diet of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Ouarsenis mountains of northwestern Algeria

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Insights on the diet of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Ouarsenis mountains of northwestern Algeria


Abstract

This study is an empirical observation of the feeding behavior of the Buthus Leach, 1815, in the wild of the Ouarsenis Mountains (Tissemsilt and Tiaret regions, Northwestern Algeria) during the study period (2021–2022). We have observed 29 instances of Buthus species eating arthropods. The identifications of this prey yielded a list of 20 species belonging to 15 families and 9 orders. We note a dominance of the Orthoptera and Coleoptera, with 3 families and 5 species for each. Gryllidae and Scarabaeidae are the most represented, with 3 and 2 species, respectively. Also, we record some insects larvae eating and many cases of cannibalism and intraguild predation. All of the Buthus species' prey are intermediate or smaller arthropods.