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...

Disjunction in Arachnospila (Pompilidae: Hymenoptera)Convergent evolution or recent dispersal?

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Disjunction in Arachnospila (Pompilidae: Hymenoptera)Convergent evolution or recent dispersal?

Abstract

Convergent evolution is defined as unrelated species evolving similar traits. A disjunct distribution is the appearance of species or groups of species in disconnected geographical areas. Is the disjunction we see in Arachnospila due to a recent disjunct distribution/long distance dispersal event or long-term convergent evolution? 

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/researchweek/ResearchWeek2025/all2025/218/