Observations on the Predation by the Crab Spider Thomisus onustus

Authors

  • S. Shweta Department of Botany, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Koni, Bilaspur, Chattisgarh 495001
  • Anil Kurmi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Anuppur 484887, Madhya Pradesh
  • Sandeep Kaushik Department of Environmental Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Anuppur 484887, Madhya Pradesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2022.976

Keywords:

Cajanus cajan, cavae, keel petal, Thomisus onustus, crab spider, predation, Apis dorsata, camouflage, mimicry, prey, deceiving, corolla

Abstract

Crab spider of the genus Thomisus Walckenaer (Araneae: Thomisidae), the T. onustus is a potent predator able to hunt prey larger than its own size. This study reports on a predatory event involving this spider, mimicking the Cajanus cajan flower for effective predation of pollinator bee Apis dorsata. The study focuses on the predation mechanism utilized by the spider making use of the plant architecture. The observations reveal that in a papilionaceous yellow coloured corolla of C. cajan, the same-coloured T. onustus is able to colour camouflage and can accommodate itself in a concealed position beneath the standard petal thus predating the prey by deceiving.

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Published

2023-01-03

How to Cite

Shweta, S., Kurmi, A., & Kaushik, S. (2023). Observations on the Predation by the Crab Spider <i>Thomisus onustus</i>. Indian Journal of Entomology, 85(1), 164–166. https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2022.976

Issue

Volume 85, Issue 1, March 2023

Section

Research Communications
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Europe PMC

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