Predatory behavior of two European ant-eating spiders (Araneae, Zodariidae)
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2004 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Arachnology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Zoology |
| Keywords | Ant predation; myrmecophagy; prey specialization; predatory specialization |
| Description | Prey specialization and the predatory behavior of two European ant-eating zodariid spiders, Zodarion germanicum and Zodarion rubidum, were studied in detail. The spiders were offered 12 ant species and seven other insects. Study spiders turned out to be ant specialists as they were able to subdue many ant species but ignored all other insects, except termites. The best capture success was obtained with medium-sized ants. The predatory behavior of the zodariid spiders involves an attacking and a handling phase separated by a period of waiting at a safe distance. The attacking phase consisted of a very rapid lunge from the rear, followed by a bite on the most extended ant leg. After an attack, the spider retreated to a safe distance, perhaps an indication that natural selection has favored such caution in the presence of an aggressive prey. Such predatory behavior, which limits contact with the predator and prey, is clearly an effective means of handling a dangerous prey. |
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