Accumulated studies have revealed that spiders, which are believed to be true predators, also feed on various plant materials such as pollen, nectar, and stigmatic exudate. Hereby, we report observational cases of fermented tree sap feeding by four spider species, namely Sinopoda forcipata (Karsch, 1881) (Sparassidae), Otacilia komurai (Yaginuma, 1952) (Phrurolithidae), Weintrauboa contortipes (Karsch, 1881) (Pimoidae), and Doenitzius cf. peniculus Oi, 1960 (Linyphiidae), in deciduous forests in Japan. This is the first report of spiders feeding on fermented sap, and also the first report of plant material consumption in the families Sparassidae, Phrurolithidae, and Pimoidae.
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29 July 2021
Field observations on consumption of fermented tree sap by spiders in deciduous forests in Japan
Yuya Suzuki,
Makoto Sano
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The Journal of Arachnology
Vol. 49 • No. 2
July 2021
Vol. 49 • No. 2
July 2021
Alternative food resource
Castanea crenata
phenology
plant-eating
Quercus serrata