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...

Desiccation resistance of the spider Sicarius thomisoides (Walckenaer, 1847) (Araneae: Sicariidae) to different temperatures

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Desiccation resistance of the spider Sicarius thomisoides (Walckenaer, 1847) (Araneae: Sicariidae) to different temperatures

Abstract

Desert spiders generally are tolerant or resistant to desiccation, as they must develop strategies to live in high temperatures and prevent continued water loss. However, in extreme conditions, as the temperature increases, their metabolism increases, so they could lose water as the temperature rises. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of temperature on water loss in the spider Sicarius thomisoides. Spiders were subjected to different temperatures: 20 °C, 30 °C and 40 °C. Our results indicate that this spider has excellent resistance to desiccation, since, on average of the three temperatures, losing only 77.25 ± 3.14% of the initial weight at 40 °C, being able to resist extremely high temperatures. In addition, we could not determine a significant effect of body size. Water loss was similar among individuals of different stage of development.

Berríos, C., Martínez, M., & Taucare‐Ríos, A. (2026). Desiccation resistance of the spider <em>Sicarius thomisoides</em> (Walckenaer, 1847) (Araneae: Sicariidae) to different temperatures. Revista Chilena De Entomología, 52(1), 51–58. Retrieved from https://www.biotaxa.org/rce/article/view/88431