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...

Taxonomic review of the genus Grismadox Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae): new species, combinations and records

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Taxonomic review of the genus Grismadox Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae): new species, combinations and records

Abstract

The taxonomy of the myrmecomorphic spider genus Grismadox Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 is reviewed. The identity of Apochinomma armatum Mello-Leitão, 1922 is re-evaluated and the species is hereby transferred to Grismadox. Castianeira monai Pett, 2023 is also transferred to Grismadox. Two new species from Brazil are described and illustrated: Grismadox nazgul sp. nov. [♂♀] and G. annatar sp. nov. [♂ only]. The known distribution of the genus is expanded and ranges from northeastern Brazil to the far south of the country, as well as Bolivia and Paraguay. New diagnoses are provided for G. karugua Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022, G. mazaxoides (Perger & Dupérré, 2021), G. mboitui (Pett, 2021) and G. elsneri Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 and scanning electron microscopy images of the genus are provided for the first time. Additionally, a key to all the known species of the genus is presented.

Junior, C.J.S., Pett, B.L. & Bonaldo, A.B. (2025) Taxonomic review of the genus Grismadox Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae): new species, combinations and records. Zootaxa, 5706 (2), 151–174. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.2.1