Cardinal predation of the invasive Jorō spider Trichophila clavata (Araneae: Nephilidae) in Georgia

Florida Entomologist, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 108(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Abstract The invasive Jorō spider ( Trichophila clavata L. Koch: Araneae: Nephilidae), which was found to be established in Georgia 2014, has become abundant and spread many other states. Almost nothing is known about what predates the its range. A previous paper reported a Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis [Passeriformes: Cardinalidae]) perching on web of lunging towards it, interpreted predation attempt. This note reports attacks by two Cardinals (referred hereafter as Cardinal) spiders Atlanta, Georgia. first attack observed when male continuously pecked at top caged Jorō, just above large female spider. Shortly after this living tethered thread around pedicel hung near that attacked. After nearly an hour had passed, flew grabbed beak tried fly away with quickly returned attacked more times but unable it because tether held place. killed not dismembered. may responsible for destroyed empty webs are commonly seen. Although thought people seed feeders, research shown they among most insectivorous common birds.

Language: Английский

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Explosive Growth of the Jorō Spider (Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch): Araneae: Araneidae) and Concurrent Decline of Native Orbweaving Spiders in Atlanta, Georgia Forests at the Forefront of the Jorō Spider’s Invasive Spread

Insects, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(5), P. 443 - 443

Published: April 23, 2025

The Jorō spider (Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch): Araneae: Araneidae), an invasive species from Asia, and native orbweaving spiders were censused at 25 forest sites in the Atlanta, Georgia, region forefront of spider’s spread 2022 through 2024. was found all three years, doubling abundance each year. In 2022, number 444 or 16.34 per hour census. This doubled 2023 to 859 30.54 hour. numbers again 2024 1713 59.14 contrasts markedly with seven orbweavers during censuses, which declined by ca. 40% 52 1.72 individuals six orbweaver 18 sites. 2023, dropped 32 1.06 11 2024, further 0.55 eight rapid increase may disrupt trophic networks negatively influence both flying insect species.

Language: Английский

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How to give a spider a heart attack: Evaluating cardiac stress reactions of Trichonephila and Argiope spiders

Physiological Entomology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 12, 2024

Abstract All animal species, from arthropods to vertebrates, must deal with occasional stressors in their lives, though most research on this has been focused vertebrates. Meanwhile, our understanding of stress reactions arthropod species like spiders is nascent. In the United States, a non‐native orb‐weaving spider, Trichonephila clavata (‘jorō’ spider), spreading as its already‐established cousin T. clavipes (golden silk spider). Prior study revealed how these two have unique behavioural reaction physical stressors, whereby they remain thanatosis state for prolonged period compared other species. Here, we investigate physiological by evaluating each species' dorsal vessel contractions (heart rates) become elevated after being subjected non‐lethal stressor. For comparison, also evaluate similarly‐sized orb weavers, Argiope aurantia (garden spider) and A. trifasciata (banded garden We record baseline heart rates inactive, resting, lab, then restrain them under an electronic, ‘optocardiographic’, sensor 10 min, ‘stressed’ rates. pronounced rate elevation, reasons unknown. observe that all spider increase during restraint, species‐specific pattern elevation over time restraint. Notably, both are less variable stress, since tend not struggle frequently struggle, leading marked fluctuations cardiac output. The could be characterized ‘even‐tempered’, which may factor into ability live habitats frequent disturbances.

Language: Английский

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Investigating the Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Behavioral Changes of an Orb Web Spider (Neoscona vigilans)

Insects, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(8), P. 609 - 609

Published: Aug. 13, 2024

Orb web spiders are common and highly diversified animals found in almost all habitats. They have remarkable plasticity against biotic abiotic factors, making them excellent indicators of environmental health. The creation behavior is influenced by disturbances the environment. aim this research was to observe alteration web-building Neoscona vigilans caused human activities, specifically traffic disturbances. Spider webs were located photographed at nighttime along roadside, their characteristics calculated. Spiders captured from for body measurements. fourth leg length, carapace width, length had a significant association with size diameter, CTL, capture area, mesh size. quantity trapped prey, height plant, foliage radius increased distance road. Conversely, anchor points elevation ground dropped. highest lowest proportions anomalies (modifications/defects) recorded as holes (52.7%) 105 (100%) supernumerary (0.7%) 55 (52.4%), respectively. Road disturbance negative influence on spider’s formed close proximity road higher frequency anomalies, gradual decrease distantly. We can gain further insight into how different changes, disruptions, pollutants lead imperfection otherwise flawless perfect structure spider webs.

Language: Английский

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