Predatory Behaviour of Crab Spider Thomisus Sp

Authors

  • Ajit Pandey Department of Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda 210001, Uttar Pradesh
  • Rakesh Pandey Department of Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda 210001, Uttar Pradesh
  • Shailendra Kumar Mishra Department of Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda 210001, Uttar Pradesh
  • Ankit Kumar Mishra Department of Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda 210001, Uttar Pradesh
  • Brajrajsharan Tiwari Department of Entomology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda 210001, Uttar Pradesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2024.2041

Keywords:

Araneae, thomisid spiders, camouflage, kleptoparasitism, mimicry, pollinators, predatory tactics, yellow, corolla, petal, deception

Abstract

The study delves into the predatory behaviour of the crab spider, Thomisus sp. (Araneae: Thomisidae) bringing out its remarkable ability to mimic the Cajanus cajan flower. This mimicry proves to be a strategic advantage in capturing larger prey, such as the honey bee (Apis dorsata and A. florea) and hover fly. By blending seamlessly with the yellow corolla of the flower, it achieves effective colour camouflage, positioning itself beneath the standard petal. This deceptive tactic allows the spider to conceal and ambush its unsuspecting prey, highlighting the intricate interplay between spider behaviour and plant style in the predation process.

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Published

2024-10-07

How to Cite

Pandey, A., Pandey, R., Mishra, S. K., Mishra, A. K., & Tiwari, B. (2024). Predatory Behaviour of Crab Spider <i>Thomisus</i> Sp. Indian Journal of Entomology, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2024.2041

Issue

Online First

Section

Research Articles
Crossref
Scopus
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Europe PMC

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