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

  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...

Description of the male of Centromerus fuerteventurensis (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

 


Description of the male of Centromerus fuerteventurensis (Araneae: Linyphiidae)


Abstract

We describe the hitherto unknown male of Centromerus fuerteventurensis Wunderlich, 1992 and present new illustrations of the epigyne and vulva. We also provide an update on the known distribution of this species on the Canary Islands. 


Lissner, Jørgen & Suárez, Daniel & López, Heriberto & Emerson, Brent & Oromí, Pedro. (2024). Description of the male of Centromerus fuerteventurensis (Araneae: Linyphiidae). Arachnologische Mitteilungen Arachnology Letters. 67. 48-52. 10.30963/aramit6705.