Destructive social spiders on coffee, citrus and mango in Venezuela.
Stejskal M.
Author Affiliation: Universidad de Oriente, Escuela de Zootecnia, Jusepin, Monagas, Venezuela.
Turrialba 26 : 343-350
Abstract : The theridiid spiders Anelosimus rupununi Levi, A. studiosus (Hentz), A. jucundus (P.-Camb.), A. ethicus (Keyserling), A. eximius (Keyserling) and A. analyticus (J.C. Chamberlin) have been observed damaging coffee, orange, lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and mangoes in Venezuela. Colonies of the spiders live in nests at the ends of small branches. They tie the green leaves together within the nests, which provide them with shade and maintain a suitable relative humidity. The colonies observed contained few males. When the leaves shrivel, the entire colony moves to another branch or tree. The damage caused is considerable and chemical control measures are necessary.