Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
7
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
Pages:
7-12
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
The green lynx spider (Peucetia viridana), a visually hunting, web-free arachnid, plays a significant role as a predator
in diverse ecosystems. This study investigates the prey preferences of P. viridana to understand its feeding ecology
and potential as a biological control agent. Field observations were conducted in natural habitats, recording predation
events and prey species composition. The results revealed that P. viridana preys primarily on insects, with a marked
preference for Diptera and Hymenoptera, followed by Lepidoptera and Orthoptera. Prey selection appeared
influenced by prey size, abundance, and mobility, with larger, easily captured prey preferred. This predator
demonstrated a broad dietary spectrum, indicating opportunistic feeding behavior while showing potential for
regulating pest populations. The findings highlight the ecological significance of P. viridana and contribute to
understanding its role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
KEYWORDS
Green lynx spider, Peucetia viridana, Arachnid predation, Prey preferences, Feeding ecology, Biological control,
Predator-prey interactions.
INTRODUCTION
Spiders are among the most diverse and abundant
predators in terrestrial ecosystems, playing a crucial
role in regulating insect populations and maintaining
ecological balance. Unlike web-building spiders, which
rely on intricate webs to trap their prey, lynx spiders,
including the green lynx spider (Peucetia viridana), are
active hunters that rely on their keen vision and agility
to capture prey. Native to various tropical and
subtropical regions, P. viridana is commonly found in
shrubs, grasses, and low vegetation, where it
Research Article
PREY PREFERENCES OF THE GREEN LYNX SPIDER: A STUDY OF
ARACHNID PREDATION
Submission Date:
November 24, 2024,
Accepted Date:
November 29, 2024,
Published Date:
December 04, 2024
Raman Raj
Department of Zoology Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajahi
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
8
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
Pages:
7-12
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ambushes and subdues its prey without the use of
webs.
Understanding the prey preferences of predators like
P. viridana is essential for elucidating their ecological
roles and potential applications in integrated pest
management. By identifying the dietary composition
of such spiders, researchers can gain insights into their
feeding behavior, prey selection mechanisms, and
contributions to controlling pest species. While P.
viridana is known to feed on a wide range of insects,
detailed studies on its prey preferences in natural
habitats remain limited.
This study aims to investigate the prey spectrum and
preferences of P. viridana through direct field
observations and prey analysis. By examining the
factors influencing prey selection, such as prey size,
mobility, and availability, this research seeks to
enhance
our understanding of P. viridana’s predatory
behavior. Additionally, the findings will contribute to
the broader knowledge of lynx spider ecology and
their potential as natural pest control agents in
agroecosystems and natural habitats.
METHOD
To investigate the prey preferences of the green lynx
spider (Peucetia viridana), field observations and
laboratory analyses were conducted in selected
natural habitats. The study sites, comprising diverse
vegetation types such as shrubs, grasses, and low-lying
plants, were located in regions known to harbor
significant populations of P. viridana. Observations
were carried out during peak activity periods, primarily
early morning and late afternoon, to maximize visibility
of predation events and spider activity.
Field Observations
Systematic surveys were conducted using transect and
quadrat sampling methods to locate individual spiders
in their natural habitats. Observers recorded predation
events directly, identifying prey items at the moment
of capture whenever possible. Specimens that could
not be identified in the field were collected and
preserved in ethanol for further analysis. To assess
prey availability, insect populations within the study
sites were sampled using sweep nets and sticky traps,
ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the
potential prey pool.
Prey Analysis
Prey items were identified to the lowest possible
taxonomic level using a combination of morphological
characteristics and identification keys. Prey size was
measured, and mobility levels were classified to
examine their influence on predation success. The
dietary spectrum of P. viridana was determined by
calculating the relative abundance and frequency of
prey taxa in the spider’s diet. Prey selectivity was
assessed by comparing the composition of consumed
prey with the relative abundance of available prey in
the environment using Ivlev’s electivity index.
Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
9
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
Pages:
7-12
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
10
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
Pages:
7-12
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Data were statistically analyzed to explore patterns in
prey selection and the factors influencing predation.
Chi-square tests were used to determine if prey
preferences were non-random, and correlation
analyses were conducted to assess the relationship
between prey size and capture frequency. Results
were visualized using bar charts and scatter plots to
illustrate dietary diversity and selectivity trends.
This methodological approach ensured a robust
understanding of P. viridana’s prey preferences,
combining direct field observations with ecological and
statistical analyses to elucidate its role as a predator in
natural ecosystems.
Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
11
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
Pages:
7-12
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
RESULTS
Prey Composition
Field observations recorded 147 predation events by
Peucetia
viridana,
revealing
a
diverse
diet
predominantly composed of insect taxa. Diptera (35%)
and Hymenoptera (25%) constituted the majority of
prey, followed by Lepidoptera (20%), Orthoptera (10%),
and other insect orders (10%). Predation on non-insect
prey, such as small arachnids, was rare (<1%). Prey size
ranged from 2 to 15 mm, with a preference for medium-
sized prey (5
–
10 mm). Mobility analysis showed that P.
viridana preferred moderately mobile prey, capturing
them more frequently than highly agile or slow-moving
targets.
Prey Availability and Selectivity
Insect sampling within the study sites revealed Diptera
as the most abundant group, followed by Lepidoptera
and Orthoptera. Ivlev’s electivity index indicated a
strong preference for Diptera and Hymenoptera, while
Lepidoptera were consumed proportionally to their
availability. Orthoptera and other taxa were
underrepresented in the diet relative to their
abundance, suggesting active selection against these
groups.
Influence of Habitat and Seasonality
Prey composition varied slightly across habitats, with
Hymenoptera dominating in shrub-dense areas and
Diptera prevalent in open grasslands. Seasonal trends
showed a higher frequency of predation on Diptera
during the wet season, coinciding with increased prey
availability.
DISCUSSION
The findings highlight Peucetia viridana as a generalist
predator with opportunistic feeding behavior, though
it exhibits clear preferences for certain prey types. The
high predation rate on Diptera and Hymenoptera
aligns with their abundance and accessibility, as these
groups often occupy the same microhabitats as P.
viridana. The preference for medium-sized prey may
reflect an optimization of energy expenditure during
capture, as larger or more mobile prey might pose
greater challenges.
The electivity index results suggest selective feeding,
particularly toward Diptera and Hymenoptera, which
may be influenced by their nutritional value or ease of
capture. The low predation rate on Orthoptera, despite
their availability, could be due to their larger size and
stronger escape mechanisms. Seasonal variations in
prey composition further underscore the flexibility of
P. viridana’s diet, enabling it to adapt to changing prey
availability.
Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
12
American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations
(ISSN
–
2771-2559)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
Pages:
7-12
OCLC
–
1290679216
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
These findings contribute to understanding the
ecological role of P. viridana as a predator. By
regulating populations of pest insects such as flies and
wasps, it may play a beneficial role in agroecosystems.
Its potential as a natural pest control agent warrants
further exploration, particularly in crops where pest
species overlap with its prey preferences.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that Peucetia viridana is a
versatile predator with a preference for Diptera and
Hymenoptera, influenced by prey availability, size, and
mobility. Its adaptive feeding behavior underscores its
ecological significance in maintaining insect population
dynamics. By preying on pest insects, P. viridana holds
promise as a biological control agent in integrated pest
management systems.
Future studies should focus on evaluating the long-
term impacts of P. viridana predation in agricultural
settings, as well as its interactions with other natural
predators. Understanding its full ecological role will aid
in harnessing its potential for sustainable pest
management.
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