Jarman, Elizabeth2022-11-302022-11-301984https://hdl.handle.net/10092/104818http://dx.doi.org/10.26021/13915The predatory repertoire of Taieria erebus (Gnaphosidae) is unusually large and compl ex for an arthropod. T. erebus is a proficient predator of insects spiders both on and off silk, a kleptoparasite in alien webs and a predator of the eggs of other spider species. On webs and nests of other spiders, T. erebus acts as an aggressive mimic. Approximately ll distinct predatory behaviours occur, the one the predators used depending on whether the prey item was a spider or insect and whether the prey was on a web, in a nest, or away from silk. Predatory behaviour on nests and especially on webs is more compl ex, of longer duration than predatory behaviour in the absence of silk, and involves vibrational behaviour. Predatory behaviour that occurs in the absence of silk includes no vib ration , has fewer behavioural elements than used in silk­ predation and is of shorter duration. T. erebus is an effective invader of cribellate (amaurobiid) webs but not ecribellate (theridiid) webs. Vision has no evident role in the predatory behaviour of this spider. Apparently, prey is located by means of tactile and vibrational cues and there is preliminary evidence of the use of olfaction. Scopulate hairs on the forelegs probably assist in the retention of prey during attacks. T. erebus has very fast acting venom. The results of this study are supportive of a hypothesis concerning the evolution of the Salticidae. Also, similarities of the scopulate hairs of T. erebus to scopulate hairs of certain salticids, suggests the Salticidae and Gnaphosidae are closely related.enAll Rights ReservedTaieria erebusPredation (Biology)Theses / Dissertations