Publication details
Prey and predatory behavior of two zodariid species (Araneae, Zodariidae)
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Arachnology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Zoology |
| Keywords | Specialization; adaptations; myrmecophagy |
| Description | In this study, we investigated whether two plesiomorphic zodariid species, Lachesana insensibilis Jocque 1991 and Pax islamita (Simon 1873), both from Israel, possess adaptations for myrmecophagy similar to those of apomorphic zodariid genera. Our analysis focused on the predatory behavior and potential prey of these two spider species. We deduced that P. islamita does not feed on ants in nature since these were not present in its microhabitat. In the habitat of L. insensibilis, however, ants were very abundant, and thus they may serve as an important diet component. In the laboratory, both species were able to subdue a wide variety of prey and therefore should be considered polyphagous. |
| Related projects: |