Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) predation on brown spiders (Loxosceles intermedia)

Abstract

Brown spiders (Loxosceles spp.) are venomous arachnids, successfully adapted to urban habitats in Brazil. Loxoscelism became a serious public health problem in Paraná State, especially at the capital Curitiba, where the most abundant species is Loxosceles intermedia. Hemidactylus mabouia (Gekkonidae) lizards are synanthropic predators of arthropods. In this paper, we describe the predatory behavior of the Tropical House Gecko H. mabouia on L. intermedia under laboratory conditions. Twelve geckos were observed, and all of them fed on brown spiders (n=123 observations). The attack consisted of a fast run followed by one bite on the spider’s abdomen or legs. The geckos did not attack L. intermedia anterior body parts, probably due to the fangs present in this region. Two Hemidactylus individuals were killed by L. intermedia bites: during a predatory encounter, and by an induced bite on a restrained lizard. The observations summarized in this paper show that H. mabouia could be used in the biological control of Loxosceles populations in human dwellings. However, additional field studies are necessary to quantify the impact of H. mabouia predation on urban populations of L. intermedia and other species of the same genus

Chemical Control of Spiders and Scorpions in Urban Areas

“…However this program is designed to pest control companies, and involves the indoor application of several pesticides. In our field experience in Brazil [11,138,140] mostly with L .intermedia, we suggest to homeowners the frequent use of vacuum cleaners [140], and the tolerance to the presence of geckos in their homes, as they are probably the only indoor predator possibly tolerated by people and capable of removing adult and immature Loxosceles individuals [138]. As the gecko in considered a sit-and-wait predator, vagant spiders are more likely to be captured.…”

“…The integrated pest management (IPM) concept to reduce Loxosceles populations in homes may rely upon many strategies. Hemidactylus mabouia geckos [138] may be efficient predators of L. intermedia in domestic environments [138]. Interspecific predation of three cosmopolitan house spiders, Achearanea tepidariorum (Theridiidae), Steatoda triangulosa (Theridiidae), and Pholcus phalangioides (Pholcidae), and L. reclusa [139] were examined to evaluate transitive predatory relationships and to explore the potential use of cosmopolitan spiders as effective biological control agents.…”

Integrated Pest Management of the Brown Recluse Spider

“…Due to shared nocturnal activity patterns, geckos were tested in laboratory interactions for their ability to consume Loxosceles intermedia spiders in Brazil (Ramires and Fraguas 2004). Although geckos did eat recluse spiders, some of the lizards perished assumedly from bites inflicted by the spider as they were being attacked.…”

Evaluation of the efficacy of vacuum cleaners for the integrated control of brown spider Loxosceles intermedia

“…Control of loxoscelism should utilize integrated pest management tools. Natural predators of L. intermedia, such as geckos, can be used inside houses (14).…”