Effects of prey species on the growth and reproduction of the funnel-web spider Allagelena difficilis

Abstract

Spiders play a crucial role in regulating herbivorous insect populations within both agricultural and natural ecosystems, and their life-history traits are significantly influenced by the nutritional profiles of their prey. This study evaluates the effects of three prey species—midges (Tendipes sp.), fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor)—on the growth, survival, and reproductive success of the funnel-web spider Allagelena difficilis. We found that juvenile spiders fed a diet of midges and mealworm beetle larvae exhibited accelerated development and greater maturation, resulting in enhanced growth compared to those fed fruit flies. While the type of prey did not influence mating behavior or reproductive success, a diet of midges was associated with increased female longevity. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between the age at mating of male spiders and the likelihood of egg sac production by females, underscoring the importance of male age in spider reproduction. These findings enhance our understanding of spider ecology and suggest their potential role in sustainable pest management.