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...

Soil Preference and Burrow Characteristics of Two Theraphosidae Species in Penang Island, Malaysia

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Soil Preference and Burrow Characteristics of Two Theraphosidae Species in Penang Island, Malaysia

Abstract

Tarantulas play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating insect populations. However, little is known about the soil preferences and burrow structures of tarantulas in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the soil preference as well as the burrow structure of Coremiocnemis cunciularia and Chilobrachys andersoni from Penang Island. The soil characteristics of the soil samples collected around the burrows of Coremiocnemis cunciularia (n = 30) and Chilobrachys andersoni (n = 30) were determined using soil texture analysis. The measurements and burrow structures from adults and juveniles of Coremiocnemis cunciularia and Chilobrachys andersoni were determined. It was revealed that the moisture content and clay percentage in the soil samples around burrows of Chilobrachys andersoni and Coremiocnemis cunicularia were significantly different. Meanwhile, there is some variation in the structure and measurements of the burrows of the two tarantula species. The findings in this study could be useful for the conservation works and habitat management of tarantulas on Penang Island.

Razak, I., Shukor, M., Muhammad Nasir, D. ., Wahab, A. Z., Chai, M. H., & Amirrudin Ahmad. (2026). Soil Preference and Burrow Characteristics of Two Theraphosidae Species in Penang Island, Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Science (MJS), 45(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.22452/mjs.vol45no1.1