FIRST REPORT OF TRICHONEPHILA CLAVIPES (LINNAEUS, 1767) (ARANEAE: ARANEIDAE) PREDATION ON AN AMPHIBIAN (ANURA) IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Trichonephila clavipes Predation on Amphibian in Brazil

Abstract

The golden silk orb-weaver Trichonephila clavipes (Linnaeus, 1767), renowned for its remarkable web-building behavior, inhabits a diverse range of habitats across the Americas. Its diet is typically associated with insects. However, previous studies suggested its potential to predate amphibians although direct observations of such predation are lacking. The first record of T. clavipes preying on an amphibian is documented herein. The event occurred in a preserved area in southern Brazil. The precise taxonomic identification of the amphibian could not be carried out because of its decomposition, but it belongs to the order Anura. I also recorded another spider species present on the web, which appears to be feeding on the amphibian as well. This study sheds light on the ecological role of T. clavipes and underscores the importance of further research to understand its habits and predatory behaviors, contributing to our comprehension of predator-prey dynamics in natural ecosystems.