Two New Lynx Spider Species of Hamadruas and Oxyopes and the First Record of Hamadruas Thorell, 1887 (Araneae: Oxyopidae) from Wai, Maharashtra, India

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  Two New Lynx Spider Species of Hamadruas and Oxyopes and the First Record of Hamadruas Thorell, 1887 (Araneae: Oxyopidae) from Wai, Maharashtra, India Abstract The present study reports two oxyopid spider species from Wai, Satara District, Maharashtra, India, based on morphological examination of specimens collected from the Kisan Veer Mahavidyalaya campus. The specimens were collected using hand-collection and sweep-net methods, preserved in 70% ethanol, and examined under a stereotrinocular microscope. Diagnostic structures, including the female epigyne and male palp, were studied after dissection, and distribution maps were prepared using QGIS. Hamadruas kvmensis sp. nov. is characterised by distinct dark elongated spermathecal lobes, a rounded central region forming the median fertilisation duct, curved copulatory ducts, and a male palp with an elongated curved cymbium, large bulb, prominent tegulum, slender embolus, conductor, tibial apophysis and sensory setae. Oxyopes wai...

Delayed Cannibalism in the Litter-Dwelling Scorpion Mesotityus pusillus (Pocock, 1893) (Scorpiones, Buthidae): Evaluating Kin Recognition as a Possible Explanation

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Delayed Cannibalism in the Litter-Dwelling Scorpion Mesotityus pusillus (Pocock, 1893) (Scorpiones, Buthidae): Evaluating Kin Recognition as a Possible Explanation

Abstract

The small size and limited defensive capacity are factors responsible for the high mortality of juveniles. Thus, offspring recognition is an important trait for juvenile survival, especially in generalist predators. In this study, we investigated aspects related to offspring discrimination in females of the scorpion Mesotityus pusillus. A total of 172 juveniles from 32 females were divided into two groups: females with their own offspring and females with unrelated juveniles. Predation events were recorded daily for 20 days. Predation occurrence and the proportion of juveniles consumed did not differ significantly between groups. Females with their own offspring tended to take longer to initiate predation than females exposed to unrelated juveniles, although this difference was not statistically significant. Our results reveal differences in the timing of cannibalistic behavior without providing clear evidence for consistent avoidance of cannibalism. While kin recognition cannot be excluded as a possible explanation, alternative mechanisms, such as familiarity, prior association, or environmental cues, may also contribute. These findings highlight a potential role of temporal offspring discrimination in shaping cannibalistic behavior, which may influence juvenile survival and reproductive success in M. pusillus.

Rodríguez-Medina, L.S., de Araujo Lira, A.F. & Pordeus, L.M. Delayed Cannibalism in the Litter-Dwelling Scorpion Mesotityus pusillus (Pocock, 1893) (Scorpiones, Buthidae): Evaluating Kin Recognition as a Possible Explanation. J Insect Behav 39, 20 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-026-09915-3