Seasonal variation and biology of Delena cancerides Walckenaer (Araneae: Sparassidae) in a banana agroecosystem

Abstract

Bananas are the fourth-ranked agricultural crop in monetary value. Cameroon is one of the world top producers of bananas. Huntsman spiders are often seen in commercial banana agroecosystems in Cameroon and bananas destined for export causing fear among handlers and customers. High population density of Delena cancerides are ubiquitous in commercial banana agroecosysyems in Cameroon. However, no information has been made available regarding the biology and ecology of D. cancerides in banana agroecosystem. In this study we accessed habitat distribution during the rainy and dry seasons and biology of D. cancerides. Delena cancerides were commonly found under barks of pseudeostems, spaces between leaf petioles and sometimes on foliage. The population of D. cancerides significantly increased during the dry season and declined during the rainy season. A significantly (t=5.4, df=46, P0.05) longer time to develop (339.4±49.0d) compared to the males. These findings may help facilitate the accumulation of data about D. cancerides and its role in shaping invertebrate communities in a banana agroecosystem.

Keywords

• delena cancerides
• banana
• population
• spiderlings
• agroecosystem