On the predation of fly, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) by a spider, Oxyopes sp. Latreille (Oxyopidae).

Abstract

During a forensic entomological study conducted in a palm oil plantation in Tg.Sepat, Selangor in September 2007, a spider (Arachnida), Oxyopes sp. (Oxyopidae) was found to predate on a calliphorid fly (Chrysomya rufifacies). The female spider laid a silk thread, or "drag line", behind it as it moved. This spider bites its prey by using a pairs of chelicerae, and injecting venom into the fly. The fly was moving its wing trying to escape, however, it succumbed to the deadly bite.

• Authors: C C Heo, A M Mohamad, J John, O Baharudin
• Journal: Tropical biomedicine (Trop Biomed) Vol. 25 Issue 1 Pg. 93-5 (Apr 2008) ISSN: 0127-5720 [Print] Malaysia
• PMID: 18600210 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Animals
• Diptera (physiology)
• Entomology (methods)
• Female
• Forensic Medicine (methods)
• Predatory Behavior
• Spiders (physiology)