First documented cases of invertebrate predation by greater grisons (Galictis vittata)

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  First documented cases of invertebrate predation by greater grisons (Galictis vittata) Abstract  We report the first documented predation of invertebrates by greater grisons (Galictis vittata) based on camera-trap footage from a mineral lick in Southeastern Peru. Two adult individuals were recorded capturing and consuming large arachnids, likely whip spiders (Amblypygi), from a natural cavity. One grison visibly removed and discarded part of the prey prior to ingestion, suggesting selective handling to reduce risk from defensive structures. These observations extend the known cavity-focused foraging behavior of G. vittata and indicate that amblypygids may represent an underreported but regular prey item in tropical habitats. Pottie, Sam, y Adrian Forsyth. 2026. «Primeros Registros Documentados De depredación De Invertebrados Por El grisón (Galictis Vittata)». Mammalogy Notes 12 (2), 608. https://doi.org/10.47603/mano.v12n2.608 .

Zodarion spiders (Araneae: Zodariidae): morphology, molecular characterisation and reassessment of the elegans, italicum, and pusio groups from Iberia and the Canary Islands

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Zodarion spiders (Araneae: Zodariidae): morphology, molecular characterisation and reassessment of the elegans, italicum, and pusio groups from Iberia and the Canary Islands

ABSTRACT

The ant-eating spider genus Zodarion has emerged as a valuable model system for the study of various aspects of spider biology; however, its taxonomy remains a complex challenge. This difficulty primarily stems from the insufficient documentation of numerous Zodarion species. In the present study, we provide the first comprehensive morphological characterisation of Iberian and Canarian Zodarion species belonging to the elegans, italicum, and pusio groups, employing both photographic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images to emphasise key taxonomic traits. Additionally, we offer the first molecular characterisation of these species groups based on COI barcodes, aiming to facilitate their identification and explore patterns of mitochondrial variation within and between Iberian and Canarian species. A new species, Zodarion sanchezi Shafaie and Pekár sp. n., from the elegans group, is described here. Molecular analyses indicate that species within all five groups generally form monophyletic groups, with the exception of Z. styliferum, Z. modestum and Z. murphyorum, supporting the efficacy of molecular barcoding for species identification in Zodarion.

Shafaie, S., Pekár, S., & Ortiz, D. (2025). Zodarion spiders (Araneae: Zodariidae): morphology, molecular characterisation and reassessment of the elegans, italicum, and pusio groups from Iberia and the Canary Islands. Journal of Natural History, 59(25–28), 1825–1875. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2498047