Predatory Behavior of the Basilica Spider,Mecynogea Lemniscata(Araneae, Araneidae)

摘要

Females ofMecynogea lemniscata(Walckenaer) are generalistpredators. Sixteen behavioral acts were described forM. lemniscatapreying on house flies, carpenter ants, and Asiatic oak weevilsin the field and laboratory. Behavioral sequences varied withprey type, but generally began with plucking and diverged there-after.The predatory behavior ofM. lemniscatais most similar tothat of the higher araneids.