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...

The first record of Dictis L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae, Scytodidae) in the Caucasus

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The first record of Dictis L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae, Scytodidae) in the Caucasus

Abstract

Dictis L. Koch, 1875, is recorded in the Caucasus for the first time. Dictis strandi (Spassky, 1941), comb. nov. is transferred to Dictis from Scytodes Latreille, 1804 based on the examined female and two males raised to maturity from the egg sac. Collecting data and digital photos of live and preserved specimens are provided, along with detailed descriptions of both sexes, diagnostic illustrations, and observations on the natural history of Dictis strandi comb. nov. The endogyne is depicted for the first time.

Seropian A (2024) The first record of Dictis L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae, Scytodidae) in the Caucasus. Caucasiana 3: 215-221. https://doi.org/10.3897/caucasiana.3.e138762