On the predation of fly, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) by a spider, Oxyopes sp. Latreille (Oxyopidae)
Heo, Chong Chin1, Mohamad Abdullah Marwi2, Jeffery, John3.
During a forensic entomological study conducted in a palm oil plantation in Tg.Sepat,
Selangor in September 2007, a spider (Arachnida), Oxyopes sp. (Oxyopidae) was found to predate
on a calliphorid fly (Chrysomya rufifacies). The female spider laid a silk thread, or “drag line”,
behind it as it moved. This spider bites its prey by using a pairs of chelicerae, and injecting venom
into the fly. The fly was moving its wing trying to escape, however, it succumbed to the deadly
bite.
Affiliation:
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia