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...

First report of Peucetia viridis (Araneae: Oxyopidae) from the Canary Islands

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First report of Peucetia viridis (Araneae: Oxyopidae) from the Canary Islands

Abstract
Peucetia viridis (Blackwall, 1858) is reported for the first time from the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria). This discovery represents the first record of the genus in the archipelago as well. A female together with an egg sac was collected in a natural reserve located in the west of the island within a community of Canary palm trees. Drawings of the habitus and epigyne and a photograph of the living female are presented. It is discussed whether this record represents an introduction or a natural recent arrival. 

Suárez, Daniel & Jiménez-García, Eduardo & Lugo, David & Pérez-Delgado, Antonio. (2024). First report of Peucetia viridis (Araneae: Oxyopidae) from the Canary Islands. Arachnologische Mitteilungen Arachnology Letters. 68. 18-20.