In this paper, we present an update on our knowledge on egg predation oophagy by spiders. Based on a survey of reports, ghost spiders Anyphaenidae , lynx spiders Oxyopidae , jumping spiders Salticidae , and yellow sac spiders Cheiracanthiidae were the most prominent groups of spiders engaged in oophagy. Our study demonstrates that oophagy in spiders is much more widespread than previously thought, both geographically and taxonomically.
The finding that the percentage of spider families engaged in vertebrate predation is so high is novel. The habitual vertebrate-eaters have evolved prey-capture adaptations such as 1 sufficient physical strength coupled with large body size, 2 the use of potent venoms, and 3 the use of highly efficient prey-catching webs. By contrast, unexpected feeding on vertebrates by the occasional vertebrate-eaters i. For a few families e.
In conclusion, our survey unveiled a large number of spider taxa previously not anticipated to feed on vertebrate prey.
These findings improve our general understanding of spider feeding ecology and provide a first assessment of the significance of vertebrate prey as a food source for spiders. Keywords: Araneae - predator diversity - vertebrate prey - prey-capture adaptations - physical strength - toxins - silk tensile strength.
In this paper, incidents of snake predation by spiders are reported based on a comprehensive global literature and social media survey. Snake-catching spiders have been documented from all continents except Antarctica. The captured snakes are predominantly small-sized with an average body length of Especially the Australian redback spider Latrodectus hasselti Thorell, , the African button spider Latrodectus indistinctus O.
