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A Tetragnathidae (Plesiometa argyra) 102208 pg 2
 The
image on the right, an enlargement of
the spider photographed by Alison M., shows the longitudinal bands flanking the venter. This spider is
often parasitized by an ichneumonid wasp, Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga.
The wasp stings the spider into temporary paralysis and glues an egg to
its abdomen. Later the spider recovers. The wasp egg hatches and, over the next 7-14 days,
as the larva feeds on the host's body fluids through holes it cuts into
the spider's abdomen, the spider continues all normal
functions as though unencumbered. The wasp larva molts to the second instar
and, on the night it kills the spider, introduces a chemical into the
host's blood that induces it to build a unique cocoon
web of strong, dragline silk. The larva immediately molts to the third instar, kills the
spider, and consumes it. The next evening the larva spins a cocoon and,
in 4 more days, pupates. The adult wasp emerges about 7 days later. This
intriguing sequence, an excellent example of parasitic manipulation of
host behavior, is described in detail by William G. Eberhard in
vol. 29, J. Arach 29:354-366 ----FINIS----
PAGE MENU:
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TERMITE ENCOUNTERS *
SNAKE ENCOUNTERS * SNAKE
BITE FIRST AID *
SNAKE
EXCLUSION *
SPIDER
ENCOUNTERS *
SPIDER
BITE FIRST AID *
SPIDER
EXTERMINATION
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PUSS CATERPILLAR ENCOUNTERS *
PUSS CATERPILLAR FIRST AID *
PUSS CATERPILLAR EXTERMINATION
*
Assembled & Edited by
Jerry Cates. Questions? Corrections? Comments?
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