Feb.
4, 2013 — Two wasp species, Calymmochilus dispar and Gelis
apterus, have been recorded as parasitoids on ant-eating spiders in a study
published in the open access journal ZooKeys. The host
spider, Zodarion styliferum, belongs to the largest genus of predominantly
ant-eating spiders. Their distribution area includes Europe, Asia and North
Africa, significantly with at least 35 species reported for the Iberian
Peninsula only, marking a record in numbers in Portugal, where this study was
conducted.
Available
data on the biology of the host spider shows that all species of the
genus Zodarion are compulsory ant eaters. What is interesting is that
these spiders perform aggressive mimicry, i.e. disguise as ants to help them in
their hunt and to capture their prey. These crafty hunters are often nocturnal
wanderers and mainly active in twilight.
During
the day, these spiders remain hidden in carefully built igloo-shaped stone
retreats that are attached to the underside of rocks or dead wood. The igloos
provide protection against unfavourable environmental conditions and enemies
such as ants.
Despite
these evolutionary advancements in the fight for survival, however, the Z.
styliferum spider turns out to be an easy victim for wasp species in their
strive for reproduction.
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