Diet and hunting behavior of the gray wall jumping spider Menemerus bivittatus (Araneae: Salticidae) in homes in southern Campeche, Mexico
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v6i2.935Keywords:
Salticidae, predation, biological control, Musca domesticaAbstract
This research focused on identifying the prey consumed by the gray wall jumping spider Menemerus bivittatus in homes in southern Campeche state, Mexico, through direct observations of predation events. Between February and June 2026, direct observations of M. bivittatus individuals present on interior and exterior walls of houses were conducted. The capture and consumption of prey, as well as the hunting behavior of the observed individuals, were recorded. The results show that M. bivittatus primarily preyed on houseflies (Musca domestica), which were visually located and captured through precise jumps. The species used the walls of houses as foraging areas, taking advantage of the frequent presence of insects associated with urban environments. The study was based on direct observations, so the actual range of the species' diet may be greater than recorded. Future studies incorporating molecular tools could provide a more detailed characterization of the prey consumed. Menemerus bivittatus acts as an active predator of houseflies in urban environments in Campeche, potentially contributing to the natural control of synanthropic insects associated with human dwellings.
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Copyright (c) 2027 Maximiliano Vanoye Eligio, Felix Alejandra Luna Medina, María del Carmen Gómez Camal, Paula Viveros Moreno, Ludwin Jaime Estrada Ramírez, Edith González Lazo, Jimmy Ricardo Mier Guerra, Juan Manuel Ortega Almeyda, Rosa Elena Medina Hernández, Benito Bernardo Dzib Castillo
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