DOCSLIB.ORG

Aspects of the Biology of the Black Widow Spider, Latrodectus Hesperus Chamberlin and Ivie (Araneae, Theridiidae)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Aspects of the Biology of the Black Widow Spider, Latrodectus Hesperus Chamberlin and Ivie (Araneae, Theridiidae) Aspects of the biology of the black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus Chamberlin and Ivie (Araneae, Theridiidae) Item Type text; Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) Authors Ross, Kenneth George Publisher The University of Arizona. Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. Download date 27/09/2021 19:14:38 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/566705 ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY OF THE BLACK WIDOW SPIDER, LATRODECTUS HESPERUS CHAMBERLIN AND IVIE (ARANEAE, THERIDIIDAE) by Kenneth George Ross A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In the Graduate College THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA ' 1 9 7 9 STATEMENT BY AUTHOR- This thesis has been submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for an advanced degree at The University of Arizona and is deposited in the University Library to be made available to borrowers under rules of the Library. Brief quotations from this thesis are allowable without special permission, provided that accurate acknowledgment of source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the head of the major department of the Dean of the Graduate College when in his judg­ ment the proposed use of the material is in the interests of scholarship. In all other instances, however, permission must be obtained from the author. SIGNED: -A APPROVAL BY THESIS DIRECTOR This thesis has been approved on the date shown below: ROBERT L. SMI / Dzfte / Assistant Professor of Entomology ACKNOWLEDGMENT The author wishes to express his sincere gratitude to the following individuals and agencies who, among many, were of special help during the course of these studies: Mr. Steve Carl, Mr. Michael Gutmacher, Mr. Greg Lanzaro, Tucson Water and Sewer Department, Coronado National Forest (U. S. Forest Service), and Saguaro National Monument (National Park Service). Very special thanks to Drs. Robert L. Smith and William L. Nutting whose guidance and support was invaluable in the preparation of this thesis. This research was funded by Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station Grant 2014-4161-17, Arthropods of Public Health Importance. iii V TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS . ............ .............. vi LIST OF TABLES . ............................................. viii ABSTRACT . ......................... .......................... .. ix CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.............. .................. o . 1 2 GENERAL M E T H O D S ............................................. 6 3 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.................................. .. 8 Egg Sacs and Emergence .o ........ ................. 8 Habitat.................................. ................... 14 Prey Capture Strategies ......... ........ ..... 16 4 ASPECTS OF THE COURTSHIP BEHAVIOR WITH EVIDENCE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF A CONTACT SEX PHEROMONE...................... 19 Introduction ................... .................... .. 19 Materials and Methods ......... ........ 21 Results ..................................................... 21 Courtship.............. 21 New Courtship Patterns ............ 24 Contact Pheromone Experiments ....... ............ 25 Chemoreceptors . ........ .............. 29 D i s c u s s i o n .................................... 29 Summary..................................................... 35 5 DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGGS AND NYMPHS UNDER CONSTANT TEMPERATURE. RE G I M E S ....................................... 36 Introduction ......................... 36 Materials and Methods .................. 38 Egg Incubation . ....................................... 38 Incubation of Nymphs ..... ........................ 41 Results................ -......... .......................... 41 Day 1 .......................................... 47 Day 2 ..... ......... .............. 47 Day 3............................ 48 Day 4 ............. 48 Day 5 .......................................... 48 iv V TABLE OF CONTENTS— Continued Page Day 6 ................ ............................ .. 48 Day 7 ............ ................................ .. 48 Day 8 » „ ............ 49 Day 9 ........................................ 49 Day 1 0 .............. 49 Day 1 1 ............ 49 Discussion ....................... 51 Summary ..................................................... 56 6 BITING RESPONSES OF ADULT FEMALES WHEN SUBJECTED TO VARIOUS TACTILE S T I M U L I ............................ 57 Introduction .......................................... 57 Materials and Me t h o d s................... 59 Results ........................... 60 D i s c u s s i o n .............. 66 Summary........................ 69 7 SAMPLING STUDIES— URBAN VS. RURAL HABITATS IN THE SOUTHWEST DESERTS .................................... 71 Introduction ............... 71 Materials and Met h o d s......................... 73 Grid 1 ................................................. 75 Grid 2 ............................ 75 Grid 3 . 75 Grid 4 .......... 76 Grid 5 76 Grid 6 .... ........ ................ 76 Results...................................... 76 Discussion ^ ..... ...................................... .83 Summary...................................... 90 REFERENCES C I T E D ................................ 91 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure Page 3.1a. EMERGENCE OF SECOND INSTAR SPIDERLING FROM EGG SAC .... 12 3.1b. SEALED WOUND ON ABDOMEN OF F E M A L E ...................... 12 4.1a. LEG TO LEG CONTACT BETWEEN A COURTING PAIR OF BLACK WIDOWS 23 4.1b. LEG TO BODY CONTACT BETWEEN A COURTING PAIR OF BLACK WIDOWS 23 4.2a. CLOSE-UP SCANNING ELECTRON MICROGRAPH OF AN INDIVIDUAL PRESUMPTIVE CHEMOSENSITIVE HA I R ....................... 30 4.2b. SCANNING ELECTRON MICROGRAPH OF ADULT MALE BLACK WIDOW TARSUS ................ 30 4.3. SCANNING ELECTRON MICROGRAPH OF ADULT MALE BLACK WIDOW APICAL TARSAL S E G M E N T ..................... 31 5.1a. GELATINE CAPSULES CONTAINING EGGS OF L. HESPERUS ........ 39 5.1b. EGGS OF L. HESPERUS ..................................... 39 5.2. TIME AND RATE CURVES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGGS OF L. HESPERUS AT SIX CONSTANT TEMPERATURES ............... 44 5.3. DEVELOPMENTAL-HATCHING THRESHOLD LINE FOR EGGS OF L. HESPERUS ............................ 45 5.4a. EGGS OF L. HESPERUS TWO DAYS PRIOR TO' HATCHING ...... 46 5.4b. FIRST INSTAR NYMPHS OF L. HESPERUS......... 46 6.1a. SCANNING ELECTRON MICROGRAPH OF FANGS OF L. HESPERUS . 64 6.1b. SILK GLOBULE DEFENSE MECHANISM OF BLACK WIDOW SPIDER . 64 7.1. LOCATIONS OF BLACK WIDOW SAMPLING SITES ................ 74 7.2a. GRID 1 .... ...................... 77 7.2b. GRID 2 .................... 77 7.2c. GRID 3 ............. 77 vi vii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS— Continued Figure Page 7.3a. GRID 4 ................................ -................. 78 7.3b. GRID 5 . ................................................. 78 7.3c. GRID 6 ................................................... 78 7.4. WEB OF L. HESPERUS CONSTRUCTED ON SAMPLING T U B E .......... 80 7.5. DENSITY OF BLACK WIDOWS AT SIX SAMPLING SITES IN THE TUCSON A R E A ........................................... 82 7.6. DENSITY OF BLACK WIDOWS AT GRID 5 IN RELATION TO METEOROLOGICAL D A T A .............. ................ .. 84 LIST OF TABLES Table Page 4.1. DURATION OF SEXUAL RESPONSE OF MALES TO WEBS OF FEMALES EXPOSED TO OPEN AIR. ................................... 27 5.1. EFFECT OF CONSTANT TEMPERATURES ON EGG DEVELOPMENT OF LATRODECTUS HESPERUS ........................ .... 42 5.2. EFFECT OF CONSTANT TEMPERATURES ON NYMPHAL DEVELOPMENT OF LATRODECTUS HESPERUS .............................. 50 6.1. DEFENSIVE BITING IN RESPONSE TO PROBING TACTILE STIMULATION IN LATRODECTUS HESPERUS .......... 61 6.2. SILK GLOBULE RELEASE IN RESPONSE TO PROBING TACTILE STIMULATION IN LATRODECTUS HESPERUS ............ .. 62 6.3. DEFENSIVE BITING IN RESPONSE TO PRESSURE TACTILE STIMULATION IN LATRODECTUS HESPERUS ........ 63 7.1. BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS OBSERVED IN SAMPLING GRIDS ........ 81 viii ABSTRACT Laboratory and field investigations of the bionomics of western American black widow spiders, Latrodectus hesperus Chamberlin and Ivie, were conducted in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. A brief survey of the literature and general rearing techniques are presented. General obser­ vations of the reproduction, habitat, and prey capture strategies of this spider are included. Courtship and mating experiments suggest that complementary sex pheromones are incorporated into the silk of both sexes. Scanning electron micrographs reveal presumed chemosensitive hairs thought to detect the pheromones. New courtship patterns are presented. Temperature dependent developmental studies were conducted - on the egg and first instar. A j-shaped time curve and sigmoid rate curve are eye-fitted to the data. The peak and optimum temperatures for egg development are 35.5°C. Temperatures of 28°C and above elicit rapid egg development and enhance viability but are responsible for low survivorship of subsequent growth stages. Nymphal mortality is tempera­ ture dependent. Probing tactile experiments indicate that adult females are more likely to bite when the cephalothorax is contacted and when food-deprived or guarding egg sacs. Pressure experiments indicate a propensity to bite when repeatedly
Load more

Recommended publications
  • False Black Widows and Other Household Spiders
    False Black Widows and Other Household Spiders Spiders can quite unnecessarily evoke all kinds of dread and fear. The Press does not help by publishing inaccurate and often alarmist stories about them. Spiders are in fact one of our very important beneficial creatures. Spiders in the UK devour a weight of insect 'pests' equivalent to that of the nation's human population! During the mid-late summer, many spiders mature and as a result become more obvious as they have then grown to their full size. One of these species is Steatoda nobilis. It came from the Canary and Madeiran Islands into Devon over a 100 years ago, being first recorded in Britain near Torquay in 1879! However it was not described from Britain until 1993, when it was known to have occurred since at least 1986 and 1989 as flourishing populations in Portsmouth (Hampshire) and Swanage (Dorset). There was also a population in Westcliff-on-Sea (Essex) recorded in 1990, and another in Littlehampton and Worthing (West Sussex). Its distribution is spreading more widely along the coast in the south and also inland, with confirmed records from South Devon, East Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Warwick. The large, grape-like individuals are the females and the smaller, more elongate ones, the males. These spiders are have become known as False Widows and, because of their colour, shape and size, are frequently mistaken for the Black Widow Spider that are found in warmer climes, but not in Britain (although some occasionally come into the country in packaged fruit and flowers). Black Widow Spiders belong to the world-wide genus Latrodectus.
    [Show full text]
  • The Behavioural Ecology of Latrodectus Hasselti (Thorell), the Australian Redback Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae): a Review
    Records of the Western Australian MIISellnl Supplement No. 52: 13-24 (1995). The behavioural ecology of Latrodectus hasselti (Thorell), the Australian Redback Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae): a review Lyn Forster McMasters Road, RD 1, Saddle Hill, Dunedin, New Zealand Abstract - Aspects of the biogeographical history and behavioural ecology of the AustralIan Latrodectus hasseIti provide support for the endemic status of this species. Cannibalism, prey stealing and short instar lengths are growth strategies for. female spiders whereas early maturation, small size, hiding and scavengmg are useful survival tactics for males. Moreover male complicity is an important component of sexual cannibalism which is ~hown to be a highly predictable event. Latrodectus hasseIti males hybridize with female L. katlpo (a New Zealand species) and fertile Fl and F2 generations Imply genetic relatedness. Hence, it is likely that L. hasselti and L. katipo evolv~d from a common ancestor in ancient Pangaea, a feasible explanation only If L. hasseItl IS endemic to Australia. It is concluded that L. hasseIti would have been able to persist in outback Australia for millions of years, with ItS mtraspeClfJc predatory habits aiding subsistence and the evolution of sexual cannibalism providing a way of coping with infrequent meeting and matmg opportunities. INTRODUCTION indigenous status, Main (1993) notes that, (as a Many stories and articles have been written consequence of its supposed introduction), "the about the redback spider (McKeown 1963; Raven absence of Latrodectus in the Australian region, 1992) with considerable attention being devoted to prior to human habitation, poses a curious its venomous nature (Southcott 1978; Sutherland zoogeographic dilemma". This comment raises an and Trinca 1978).
    [Show full text]
  • Antivenin(Latrodectus Mactans)
    ANTIVENIN- latrodectus mactans Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. ---------- ANTIVENIN (LATRODECTUS MACTANS) (Black Widow Spider Antivenin) Equine Origin DESCRIPTION Antivenin (Latrodectus mactans) is a sterile, non-pyrogenic preparation derived by drying a frozen solution of specific venom-neutralizing globulins obtained from the blood serum of healthy horses immunized against venom of black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans). It is standardized by biological assay on mice, in terms of one dose of Antivenin neutralizing the venom in not less than 6000 mouse LD50 of Latrodectus mactans. Thimerosal (mercury derivative) 1:10,000 is added as a preservative. When constituted as specified, it is opalescent, ranging in color from light (straw) to very dark (iced tea), and contains not more than 20.0 percent of solids. Each single-dose vial contains not less than 6000 Antivenin units. One unit of Antivenin will neutralize one average mouse lethal dose of black widow spider venom when the Antivenin and the venom are injected simultaneously in mice under suitable conditions. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY The pharmacological mode of action is unknown and metabolic and pharmacokinetic data in humans are unavailable. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Antivenin (Latrodectus mactans) is used to treat patients with symptoms due to bites by the black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans). Early use of the Antivenin is emphasized for prompt relief. Local muscular cramps begin from 15 minutes to several hours after the bite which usually produces a sharp pain similar to that caused by puncture with a needle. The exact sequence of symptoms depends somewhat on the location of the bite. The venom acts on the myoneural junctions or on the nerve endings, causing an ascending motor paralysis or destruction of the peripheral nerve endings.
    [Show full text]
  • Western Black Widow Spider
    Arachnida Western Black Widow Spider Class Order Family Species Arachnida Araneae Theridiidae Latrodectus hesperus Range Reproduction Special Adaptations The genus is worldwide. Growth: gradual, molts several times. Venom: Although never Western Texas, Okla- Egg: produced in bunches of 40 or more, wrapped in silk and sus- aggressive, the females homa and Kansas north pended from the web, can hatch within a week of being laid. occasionally bite hu- to Canada and west to the Immature: pure white after hatching and slowly gaining color with each mans but only in self defense (males do not Pacific Coaststates molt. Adult: may live for several years. The female can store sperm for many bite humans). They months. It is a fallacy that the female always eats the male after can cause a serious but Habitat mating. rarely fatal result. The venom is neurotoxic and Found in tropical, temper- Physical Characteristics is reported to be 15 times ate and arid zones in a as poisonous as that of the rattlesnake. Symptoms multitude of habitats. Mouthparts: chelicerate, fangs are perpendicular to body line. Duct from a include a painful tight- poison gland opens from the base of each fang. The mouth and ening of the abdomenal jaws are on the underside of the head. Niche wall muscles, increased Legs: 8 long, narow legs. blood pressure and body Eyes: 8 eyes. Usually found in temperature, nausea, lo- Egg: their eggs are layed in clusters and covered with silk to undisturbed places like calized edema, asphyxia form an egg sac. wood piles, outhouses, and convulsions. Medical Immature: white at first , gaining color with each molt.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 It's All Geek to Me: Translating Names Of
    IT’S ALL GEEK TO ME: TRANSLATING NAMES OF INSECTARIUM ARTHROPODS Prof. J. Phineas Michaelson, O.M.P. U.S. Biological and Geological Survey of the Territories Central Post Office, Denver City, Colorado Territory [or Year 2016 c/o Kallima Consultants, Inc., PO Box 33084, Northglenn, CO 80233-0084] ABSTRACT Kids today! Why don’t they know the basics of Greek and Latin? Either they don’t pay attention in class, or in many cases schools just don’t teach these classic languages of science anymore. For those who are Latin and Greek-challenged, noted (fictional) Victorian entomologist and explorer, Prof. J. Phineas Michaelson, will present English translations of the scientific names that have been given to some of the popular common arthropods available for public exhibits. This paper will explore how species get their names, as well as a brief look at some of the naturalists that named them. INTRODUCTION Our education system just isn’t what it used to be. Classic languages such as Latin and Greek are no longer a part of standard curriculum. Unfortunately, this puts modern students of science at somewhat of a disadvantage compared to our predecessors when it comes to scientific names. In the insectarium world, Latin and Greek names are used for the arthropods that we display, but for most young entomologists, these words are just a challenge to pronounce and lack meaning. Working with arthropods, we all know that Entomology is the study of these animals. Sounding similar but totally different, Etymology is the study of the origin of words, and the history of word meaning.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparative Analyses of Venoms from American and African Sicarius Spiders That Differ in Sphingomyelinase D Activity
    This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the author for internal non-commercial research and education use, including for instruction at the authors institution and sharing with colleagues. Other uses, including reproduction and distribution, or selling or licensing copies, or posting to personal, institutional or third party websites are prohibited. In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier’s archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: http://www.elsevier.com/copyright Author's personal copy Toxicon 55 (2010) 1274–1282 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Toxicon journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/toxicon Comparative analyses of venoms from American and African Sicarius spiders that differ in sphingomyelinase D activity Pamela A. Zobel-Thropp*, Melissa R. Bodner 1, Greta J. Binford Department of Biology, Lewis and Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR 97219, USA article info abstract Article history: Spider venoms are cocktails of toxic proteins and peptides, whose composition varies at Received 27 August 2009 many levels. Understanding patterns of variation in chemistry and bioactivity is funda- Received in revised form 14 January 2010 mental for understanding factors influencing variation. The venom toxin sphingomyeli- Accepted 27 January 2010 nase D (SMase D) in sicariid spider venom (Loxosceles and Sicarius) causes dermonecrotic Available online 8 February 2010 lesions in mammals. Multiple forms of venom-expressed genes with homology to SMase D are expressed in venoms of both genera.
    [Show full text]
  • 2009 Vermilion, Alberta
    September 2010 ISSN 0071‐0709 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 57th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE Entomological Society of Alberta November 5‐7, 2009 Vermilion, Alberta Content Entomological Society of Alberta Board of Directors for 2009 .............................................................. 3 Annual Meeting Committees for 2009 ................................................................................................. 3 President’s Address ............................................................................................................................. 4 Program of the 57th Annual Meeting.................................................................................................... 6 Oral Presentation Abstracts ................................................................................................................10 Poster Presentation Abstracts.............................................................................................................21 Index to Authors.................................................................................................................................24 Minutes of the Entomology Society of Alberta Executive/Board of Directors Meeting ........................26 Minutes of the Entomological Society of Alberta 57th Annual General Meeting...................................29 2009 Regional Director to the Entomological Society of Canada Report ..............................................32 2009 Northern Director’s Reports .......................................................................................................33
    [Show full text]
  • Black Widow Spider, Latrodectus Variolus, Latrodectus Mactans, Family Theridiidae
    Rose Hiskes, Diagnostician and Horticulturist Department of Entomology The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station 123 Huntington Street, P. O. Box 1106 New Haven, CT 06504 Phone: (203) 974-8600 Fax: (203) 974-8502 Email: [email protected] NORTHERN BLACK WIDOW, SOUTHERN BLACK WIDOW SPIDER, LATRODECTUS VARIOLUS, LATRODECTUS MACTANS, FAMILY THERIDIIDAE the northern range for the southern black widow. Historically, CAES has had a few specimens of the northern black widow brought into our offices. It was apparently not common and rarely seen, due in part, to being found mainly in woodland settings. The southern black widow can be found outdoors as well as indoors. It is more common in and around human habitations. Kaston does mention that both species have been found in Connecticut. It is possible that these spiders may become more abundant and will increasingly be detected by residents. Southern Black Widow juvenile, Latrodectus mactans. Photo by Jim Thompson The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has received several reports of northern and southern black widow sightings in Connecticut during June, 2013. In the recent past, any black widow spiders brought to the station were mostly from bags of South American grapes purchased in local grocery stores. The northern black widow spider can be found in the eastern U.S. from Florida to southern Canada. The southern black widow Black Widow female, Latrodectus spp. spider is found from the central U.S. south Photo by Karin DiMauro into South America. While Connecticut lies in the middle of the range for the northern black widow spider, we are at the edge of NORTHERN BLACK WIDOW, LATRODECTUS VARIOLUS, THERIDIIDAE, Rose Hiskes, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, www.ct.gov/caes 1 Females of both species are not likely to bite black widow, L.
    [Show full text]
  • An Analysis of Geographic and Intersexual Chemical Variation in Venoms of the Spider Tegenaria Agrestis (Agelenidae)
    Toxicon 39 (2001) 955±968 www.elsevier.com/locate/toxicon An analysis of geographic and intersexual chemical variation in venoms of the spider Tegenaria agrestis (Agelenidae) G.J. Binford* Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA Received 31 August 2000; accepted 24 October 2000 Abstract The spider Tegenaria agrestis is native to Europe, where it is considered medically innocuous. This species recently colonized the US where it has been accused of bites that result in necrotic lesions and systemic effects in humans. One possible explanation of this pattern is the US spiders have unique venom characteristics. This study compares whole venoms from US and European populations to look for unique US characteristics, and to increase our understanding of venom variability within species. This study compared venoms from T. agrestis males and females from Marysville, Washington (US), Tungstead Quarry, England (UK) and Le Landeron, Switzerland, by means of liquid chromatography; and the US and UK populations by insect bioassays. Chromatographic pro®les were different between sexes, but similar within sexes between US and UK populations. Venoms from the Swiss population differed subtly in composition from UK and US venoms. No peaks were unique to the US population. Intersexual differences were primarily in relative abundance of components. Insect assays revealed no differences between US and UK venom potency, but female venoms were more potent than male. These results are dif®cult to reconcile with claims of necrotic effects that are unique to venoms of US Tegenaria. q 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Spider; Venom; Variation; Population; Sex; Comparative 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Aspects of the Courtship Behavior of Th E (Araneae : Theridiidae)
    Ross, K . and R . L . Smith, 1979 . Aspects of the courtship behavior of the Black Widow spider , Latrodectus hesperus (Araneae : Theridiidae), with evidence for the existence of a contact se x pheromone. J . Arachnol . 7 :69-77 . ASPECTS OF THE COURTSHIP BEHAVIOR OF TH E BLACK WIDOW SPIDER, LATRODEC'TUS HESPERU S (ARANEAE : THERIDIIDAE), WITH EVIDENCE FO R THE EXISTENCE OF A CONTACT SEX PHEROMON E Kenneth Ross and Robert L. Smit h Departrnent of Entomology University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 8572 1 ABSTRAC T The courtship and mating behavior of the black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus Chamberli n and [vie, were studied to determine stimuli responsible for mate location and courtship initiation in this species . We observed new courtship patterns which included a vigorous display performed b y females, " push-ups" executed by both sexes, and cryptic abdominal vibrations produced by male s immediately upon contact with female webs . Males initiated courtship when they contacted unoc- cupied conspecific female webs, but did not respond when placed on other male webs . Male L . hesperus also initiated courtship behavior on unoccupied female webs of another species, Latrodectu s mactans (Fabricius) . Female L . hesperus were stimulated by contact with conspecific male webs, bu t not other female webs . Scanning electron microscopy revealed what are presumed to be chemo- receptive hairs on the tarsi and pedipalps of males and females . We conclude that male and female L . hesperus produce sexually specific, complementary contact pheromones which are incorporated int o their silk . These substances apparently function in mate location, sex identification, and courtship fo r this species, but not as an isolating mechanism between L .
    [Show full text]
  • ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS 114(5): 121, November & December 2003 Mailed on September 30, 2004 242 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS
    Vol. 1 14, No. 5, November & December 2003 241 _ _ REUSE OF OLD TRYPOXYLON POLITUM NEST BY CHALYBION CALIF ORNICUM (HYMENOPTERA: SPHECIDAE) IN NEW YORK, U.S.A. 1 Frank E. Kurczewskr ABSTRACT: The re-use of an old Tiypoxylon politum mud pipe organ nest by a female Clmlyhinn californicum is described and illustrated. The female C. californicum cleaned, renovated, and stocked with paralyzed spiders 19 of the abandoned 25 T. politum cells. Some C. californicum behavioral components are delineated. KEYWORDS: Re-use of nests, Trypoxylon, Chalybion, Hymenoptera, Sphecidae. Species of Chalybion build mud nests in preexisting cavities and crevices and renovate the abandoned mud nests of other species of wasps (Bohart and Menke 1976). Females carry water to a nearby earthen source and mold mud to partition and seal these nests (Rau 1928, Ward 1971). Species of Chalybion renovate and stock with paralyzed spiders the abandoned mud nests of Sceliphron and Ttypoxy- Ion (Bohart and Menke 1976). Old nests of the yellow and black mud dauber, Sceliphron caementarium (Drury), are sometimes reused for nesting by the blue mud dauber, Chalybion californicum (Saussure) (Rau 1928). The re-use of an abandoned mud pipe organ nest of Trypoxylon politum Say by a female C. cali- fornicum is unusual, has not been previously documented, and is detailed below. RESULTS An old T. politum nest located on the outskirts of Syracuse (Onondaga County, New York, U.S.A.) had seven pipes affixed near the top of a vertical cedar siding board underneath a 70 roof 1 cm-wide overhang (Fig. ). The seven pipes were built consecutively from left to right by one female in July 1999.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Arthropods Bandelier National Monument
    A Guide to Arthropods Bandelier National Monument Top left: Melanoplus akinus Top right: Vanessa cardui Bottom left: Elodes sp. Bottom right: Wolf Spider (Family Lycosidae) by David Lightfoot Compiled by Theresa Murphy Nov 2012 In collaboration with Collin Haffey, Craig Allen, David Lightfoot, Sandra Brantley and Kay Beeley WHAT ARE ARTHROPODS? And why are they important? What’s the difference between Arthropods and Insects? Most of this guide is comprised of insects. These are animals that have three body segments- head, thorax, and abdomen, three pairs of legs, and usually have wings, although there are several wingless forms of insects. Insects are of the Class Insecta and they make up the largest class of the phylum called Arthropoda (arthropods). However, the phylum Arthopoda includes other groups as well including Crustacea (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, barnacles, etc.), Myriapoda (millipedes, centipedes, etc.) and Arachnida (scorpions, king crabs, spiders, mites, ticks, etc.). Arthropods including insects and all other animals in this phylum are characterized as animals with a tough outer exoskeleton or body-shell and flexible jointed limbs that allow the animal to move. Although this guide is comprised mostly of insects, some members of the Myriapoda and Arachnida can also be found here. Remember they are all arthropods but only some of them are true ‘insects’. Entomologist - A scientist who focuses on the study of insects! What’s bugging entomologists? Although we tend to call all insects ‘bugs’ according to entomology a ‘true bug’ must be of the Order Hemiptera. So what exactly makes an insect a bug? Insects in the order Hemiptera have sucking, beak-like mouthparts, which are tucked under their “chin” when Metallic Green Bee (Agapostemon sp.) not in use.
    [Show full text]