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...

In the rocks: An integrative assessment of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) in peninsular India with a description of a new species

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In the rocks: An integrative assessment of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) in peninsular India with a description of a new species

Abstract

The genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861 exhibits significant diversity, especially in Peninsular India. From our continued arachnological surveys in the Western Ghats and Peninsular India, we describe a new species based on molecular and morphological data. Furthermore, additional sampling revealed new species with distinct molecular signatures, but future investigation is warranted to gather additional data before species are formally described.
Deshpande, S., Joshi, M., Ukale, S., Bastawade, D., Tang, V., Gowande, G., Monod, L., & Sulakhe, S. (2025). In the rocks: An integrative assessment of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) in peninsular India with a description of a new species. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.02.004