Predation of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Rossi, 1790) (Araneae: Theridiidae) on two lizard species, Ablepharus chernovi (Darevski, 1953) and Anatololacerta finikensis (Eiselt & Schmidtler, 1987), in the Antalya Province of Turkey

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  Predation of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Rossi, 1790) (Araneae: Theridiidae) on two lizard species, Ablepharus chernovi (Darevski, 1953) and Anatololacerta finikensis (Eiselt & Schmidtler, 1987), in the Antalya Province of Turkey Abstract For the first time, two lizard species were found partially consumed by the same Mediterranean black widow and at an altitude of around 1800 msnm, marking a notable increase in predation altitude compared to previous records. The present observation bolsters the hypothesis that lizard predation by L. tredecimguttatus may be more prevalent than previously reported, and emphasizes the need for further studies to better understand the dietary habits of this species, particularly in mountainous regions.  Gomard, Guillaume. (2026). Predation of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Rossi, 1790) (Araneae: Theridiidae) on two lizard species, Ablepharus chernovi (Darevski, 1953) and Anatololacerta finikensis (Eiselt & Schmidtler, 1987), in the An...

Females become adults about ten days earlier than males in a phalangiid harvestman Odiellus aspersus (Opiliones: Eupnoi: Phalangiidae)

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Females become adults about ten days earlier than males in a phalangiid harvestman Odiellus aspersus (Opiliones: Eupnoi: Phalangiidae)

Abstract

The reproductive phenology of a species of phalangiid harvestmen, Odiellus aspersus, was studied at Maruyama Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido, for the difference in adult emergence between males and females. At the timepoint in which 50% of the population had matured to adulthood, more females were represented than males, and adult females developed about 10 days earlier on average than males. There was no difference in adult body size between males that had matured earlier and males that were collected later in the season. This fact would conflict with a plausible hypothesis that males should mature slowly to attain larger body size in this species. Elongation of spermatheca in females of the species may explain the marked difference in the adult emergence in the species, by enhancing sperm priority of the males that copulated with females last.

Nobuo Tsurusaki "Females become adults about ten days earlier than males in a phalangiid harvestman Odiellus aspersus (Opiliones: Eupnoi: Phalangiidae)," The Journal of Arachnology, 53(1), 8-12, (19 May 2025) https://doi.org/10.1636/JoA-S-23-025