Predation on Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) by Theridion rufipes (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Puerto Rico. Issue 4 (11th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fox, Irving
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical entomology. Volume 35:Issue 4(1998)
• Page Start: 611
• Page End: 613
• Publication Date: 2014-09-11
• Subjects: Theridion rufipes -- Aedes aegypti -- mosquitoes -- spider predation -- spider webs; Insects as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; 616.968
• DOI: 10.1093/jmedent/35.4.611
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2585

Abstract

Abstract : Theridion rufipes Lucas was found in rearing cages of Aedes aegypti (L.) in the School of Medicine, San Juan, PR. From the 1970s to the 1990s, the spiders had a continuous existence in the cages and in the room outside the cages. A single spider eventually could eliminate all the mosquitoes in a cage. The behavior of the mosquitoes in the web was observed by isolating spiders individually in glass or plastic flasks. When a mosquito comes in contact with the beads of sticky silk on the web, it is immediately paralyzed before the spider approaches it. The instant immobilization without a struggle as well as other aspects of prey behavior suggest that there is a compound in the sticky webs that causes the paralysis. Analysis of this material might lead to the discovery of a new insecticide. Efforts to control dengue in Puerto Rico should not interfere with the natural enemies of the vector.