On a new genus of dwarf tarantulas (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae) endemic from Peru: evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny, with description of three new species

Posted by
  On a new genus of dwarf tarantulas ( Araneae : Mygalomorphae : Theraphosidae ) endemic from Peru: evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny, with description of three new species Abstract Recent field campaigns conducted in Peru along with the examination of museum specimens allowed us to identify small tarantulas that do not fit with any known Theraphosidae genera. Morphology and additional molecular evidence from the mitochondrial gene COI led us to propose Kiskalla gen. nov . from southern Peru, at Puno region. Three new species of Kiskalla gen. nov . ( K. ignacioi sp. nov ., K. yeisoni sp. nov . and K. zukuapasanka sp. nov .) are herein described, diagnosed and illustrated. Kiskalla gen. nov . differs from the known Theraphosinae genera in the presence of lateral stripes on the abdomen and a small dorsal arrowhead-shaped patch of type III urticating setae, presence of a large number of spines on all legs, short and stout setae on the dorsal metatarsi encirc...

Enrichment of Rearing Conditions of the Spider Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Posted by

 


Enrichment of Rearing Conditions of the Spider Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae)

ABSTRACT

Pardosa astrigera is a species of spider that plays an important role in controlling crops pests but is at risk due to human agricultural practices. To optimize laboratory rearing, we developed specialized diets and rearing containers for both mother spiders and spiderlings. The maximum survival to adulthood was achieved with a diet of Drosophila melanogaster, Acyrthosiphon pisum and Aphis gossypii. Spiderlings fed an artificial milk diet, consisting of milk, egg yolk, and honey, had a 33% survival rate until the 5th life stage. Increasing the rearing space using 250 mL plastic cups improved survival (66%) compared to 50 mL jars (38%). The findings of this study offer pivotal technical support for delving deeper into the biological traits, dietary necessities, and reproductive processes of spiders. Furthermore, these insights can serve as a valuable reference for the artificial cultivation of other beneficial insects, thereby facilitating the enhancement of biological control strategies.

Qiao, X., Nasir, M., Zhao, Y., Wang, L., Zhang, K., Li, D., Ji, J., Gao, X., Cui, J., Zhu, X., & Luo, J. (2025). Enrichment of Rearing Conditions of the Spider Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae). Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, 118(4), e70056. https://doi.org/10.1002/arch.70056