Predatory behavior of Leucauge magnifica (Araneae: Tetragnathidae)

Abstract

The predatory behavior of Leucauge magnifica was studied. This species employed five predatory sequences: seize-pull out, bite-pull out, bite-wrap, wrap-bite, and wrap. Attack wrapping was used to subdue various types of prey such as grasshoppers, damselflies, ants and stinkbugs, which may be large and/or dangerous prey. Furthermore, living ants were more frequently immobilized by wrapping than dead ants. It suggests that attack wrapping is an effective method to immobilize large and/or dangerous prey.