Spiders associated with agroecosystems: Roles and perspectives

Abstract

Spiders are considered one of the most abundant groups of predators in different ecosystems related to human production activities. Crops represent one of the most important economical sources for the Neotropical region. In consequence, agroecosystems are in continuous expansion and with them the associated spiders. In this chapter, we will present current knowledge about different studies concerning the role of spiders in agroecosystems, with emphasis on studies in the Neotropical region. Subsequently, we will focus on the diversity of predatory strategies in spiders, and how this trait allows them to capture different insect-pests, presenting also evidence with regard to the importance of spiders in controlling pest populations. Also, we will show how the effects of different human activities in agroecosystems may affect the predatory potential and reproductive traits in neotropical web-building and wandering spiders, focusing on the negative sub-lethal effects caused by pesticides used in crops.