Biological Studies on Steatoda triangulosa Walckenaer (1802) (Arachnida: Araneida: Theridiidae) Feeding on Different Preys

Abstract

The life cycle of Steatoda triangulosa Walckenaer (1802), belonging to family Theridiidae, was studied in laboratory. It had 6 and 5 spiderling instars before adulthood for female and male respectively. Various instars reared on the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, vinegar fly, Dorsophila melanogaster, two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, stored grain moth, Ephestia kuhniella, and larva of the Cotton leaf worm Spodoptera littoralis. Prey consumption was calculated for different stages. Mating behavior was also described.