A stock culture of 150-200 individuals of Kochiura aulica (C.L. Koch, 1838)
(Arachnida: Araneida: Theridiidae) was collected from olive trees in Giza governorate,
Egypt. K. aulica adults were reared in plastic containers (1750 cc). All rearing units were
supplied three times a week by adult fruit flies. The newly hatched spiderlinges were
reared on fruit fly adults until reaching adulthood. Life cycle of K. aulica was studied
individually and in groups under laboratory conditions (28±1°C and 75±10% R.H.),
feeding on cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval, 1833), second larval stage.
Also, adult fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 were only used in group
rearing.
Incubation period averaged 13 days in individual and group rearing. Life cycle in
individual rearing was 36.83 & 39.78 days for female and male, respectively. Life cycle
in group rearing was 51.74 and 51.96 days, feeding on S. littoralis and D. metano gaster
respectively. Egg sacs per female per day during the first 20 days of oviposition period in
individual rearing was 3.00 egg sacs while in group rearing it was 0.91 & 1.66 egg sacs,
feeding on S. littoralis and D. metanogaster respectively.
K. aulica showed a degree of sociality under laboratory conditions (in spite of
lack to mothers brood care). It was high tolerance between individuals in all stages with
no cannibalism. Egg sacs were laid and spread over rearing containers and were not
attacked by other females. Newly hatched spiderlings aggregated in containers and
showed cooperation in catching and feeding on available prey. This quasi-social
behaviour seemed to be a survival strategy.
Mass rearing of Kochiura aulica is successful along more than two years.
|
