The neonicotinoid imidacloprid impairs the predatory performance and functional response of the jumping spider Helpis minitabunda (Araneae, Salticidae)

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  The neonicotinoid imidacloprid impairs the predatory performance and functional response of the jumping spider Helpis minitabunda (Araneae, Salticidae) Abstract The neonicotinoid imidacloprid can cause lethal and sublethal effects in non-target organisms, including impaired behavior, reduced fertility, disrupted locomotion, and reduced predatory performance in arthropods. Spiders are among the most abundant arthropod predators in terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural ecosystems, yet the effects of neonicotinoids on the predatory function of jumping spiders remain poorly understood. The functional response of a predator describes how predation rates change with prey density and is key to understanding predator–prey dynamics. We tested whether acute exposure to a commercial formulation of imidacloprid at field-recommended concentrations alters the functional response of the Aussie bronze jumping spider, Helpis minitabunda (L. Koch, 1880). We compared the predation of treat...

Morphological features and distribution of Loureedia jerbae (El-Hennawy, 2005) (Araneae: Eresidae) in Libya

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Morphological features and distribution of Loureedia jerbae (El-Hennawy, 2005) (Araneae: Eresidae) in Libya


ABSTRACT


Seven male specimens (one immature and six adults) of a rare species of Loureedia jerbae (El-Hennawy, 2005), are recorded for the first time in Libya, representing the first record of this species outside of Tunisia. Illustrations and a description are provided. Only the most recent adult of the specimens captured in October/November of 2019 to 2022 was examined, identified and described. Although Libya has one of the least recorded spider species in the Mediterranean region, it is promising to reveal more undiscovered and undocumented species through extensive research in this large country.


Hamida S. Khbaish, Hoda M. Elmareme and Abdulhamed M. Etriieki (2024) “Morphological features and distribution of Loureedia jerbae (El-Hennawy, 2005) (Araneae: Eresidae) in Libya”, African Journal of Advanced Pure and Applied Sciences (AJAPAS), 3(2), pp. 96–101. Available at: https://aaasjournals.com/index.php/ajapas/article/view/758 (Accessed: 13 May 2024).