Studies on Scytodes Univittata Simon (Scytodidae: Arachnida) with Special Notes on its Biology

Abstract

This study's aims to examine the age of Scytodes univittata Simon, 1882, (Scytodidae: Arachnida). This species was discovered between and under stones on the ground in the mango groves in Tahta, Sohag governorate, Egypt, Males had an average life cycle of 392.8±7.39 days, while females completed its life cycle in 484.0 ±3.20 days. The first and second stages of the investigated spider consumed the greatest number of the prey species Aphis spp., and Larvae in their first three instars Spodopetra littorali (Boisd.), In contrast, the third and fourth spiderling instars, which dined on the first through third instars of S. littoralis and larvae of Galleria mellonella (Linn.). Spider individuals fed on various phases of larvae and adults of spiderlings from fifth instars to adulthood of S. littoralis and larvae of G. mellonella. The female spiders lived for an average of 309.8± 8.01 days.