ARS | Publication request: Untangling the web...spiders in Arizona fields

Submitted to: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: July 18, 2011
Publication Date: July 18, 2011
Repository URL: http://ag.arizona.edu/crops/cotton/files/SpidersWebsvFc.pdf
Citation: Mostafa, A., Brown, L., Ellsworth, P., Barlow, V., Naranjo, S.E. 2011. Untangling the web...spiders in Arizona fields. Field Crop IPM Shorts, Cooperative Extension, University of Arizona Extension Fact Sheets. 7/2011

Interpretive Summary: Many kinds of arthropod natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) inhabit crop fields in Arizona and can have a large negative impact on several pest insect species that also infest these crops. Many different species of spiders are common in cotton, alfalfa and other crops in Arizona. Among the most abundant are crab spiders and Dictyna spiders, both of which feed on a wide range of prey, including whiteflies, plant bugs and small caterpillars. This extension circular summarizes some of the biology and ecology of these spiders and emphasizes the benefits they can provide in pest control. Producers are encouraged to use selective insecticides for controlling pests if insecticides are required. This will conserve important predators like spiders and many other beneficial species.

Technical Abstract: Many kinds of arthropod natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) inhabit crop fields in Arizona and can have a large negative impact on several pest insect species that also infest these crops. Many different species of spiders are common in cotton, alfalfa and other crops in Arizona. Among the most abundant are crab spiders and Dictyna spiders, both of which feed on a wide range of prey, including whiteflies, plant bugs and small caterpillars. This extension circular summarizes some of the biology and ecology of these spiders and emphasizes the benefits they can provide in pest control. Producers are encouraged to use selective insecticides for controlling pests if insecticides are required. This will conserve important predators like spiders and many other beneficial species.