Microhabitat preference and biology of Holconia insignis (Thorell, 1870) (Araneae:Sparassidae) in banana plantation agroecosystem

Abstract

The abundance of Holconia insignis in banana plantations in Cameroon is a matter of concern. However, to date there have been no published studies that specifically synthetize information on the seasonal abundance and biology of H. insignis in banana plantation agroecosystem. In this study we made intensive samplings to study the seasonal response of H. insignis across different banana plant stratain a banana agroecosystem in Cameroon while the biology of H. insignis was studied in the laboratory. Our results demonstrated that seasonal patterns of H. insignis differed among strata. Female H. insignis attached her egg sacin which she oviposited 238.3 ± 4.2 eggs in loose peudostems and banana bunches. The female guarded the egg sac until hatching. Females required longer development time than males. Our results underscore the importance of ecology and biology of H. insignis that facilitate the development of appropriate management for H. insignis.

Keywords

• holconia insignis
• banana
• huntsman spider
• cocoon
• spiderlings
• microhabitat
• biology