Environmental-Friendly Pest Control: Spider Webs Helpful to Protect Agricultural Crops

A new study found that a group of spiders would become effective and cost-efficient  pest control to protect  crops, unlike using expensive insecticides.

Climate change is a factor in how invasive species invade agricultural farms. The emergence of pests would impact the harvests and quality of crops.

As a result, farmers have been investing in efficient pest control to ensure that crops are healthy and it would not fall to infestation.

However, the cost would be expensive, especially since pests and invasive species could find ways to survive against insecticides.

Environmentally-friendly pest control using spiders

(Photo : ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP via Getty Images)
Environmental-Friendly Pest Control: Spider Webs Helpful to Protect Agricultural Crops

Science and scientists have a growing interest in using natural pest control, including spiders. In a new study published in Insect, researchers looked into an ideal group of spiders that can become a candidate for natural pest control.

The study noted there is a need for future studies on the same topic investigating the potential effects of spiders on crop pollination.

According to National Pesticide Information Center, the emergence of spiders and their webs is harmful and helpful for catching invasive species.

Meanwhile, the latest research looked into a type of tent spider. Researchers said Cyrtophora citricola would be an ideal pest control for the following reasons.

• Cyrtophora citricola is considered non-cannibalistic, meaning they would not eat their species.
• They can unload large webs that can efficiently catch invasive prey or pests.
• The research also said they are active in biological pest control against flying pests.
• Their emergence in agricultural farms is harmless to humans. Farms can surely save more budget.
• As mentioned, the said spider species could live with their species, which could create effective web pest control.

Furthermore, the researchers experimented in the lab to ensure the spider species' effectiveness.

According to lead author Dr. Lena Grinstead, the spiders showed a successful potential as pest controls in agricultural lands.

In the lab, the study discovered the presence of possible prey: flightless fruit flies, black soldier flies, and small tomato leafminers.

• The study found that the larger spiders managed to unload efficient webs that caught the flightless fruit flies and small tomato leafminers.
• However, there is little chance of catching the larger black soldier flies.

New species of spiders discovered in Israel

Recently, Nature World News reported that seven rare spiders were discovered in underground habitats in Israel's caves.

The research was published in the Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution journal.

According to the study, the researchers found five species of funnel web spiders with noticeable eye-reduced appearances. Meanwhile, the two species found in the cave are considered entirely blind.

Also Read: Seven New Amazing Funnel Web Spiders Discovered in Underground Habitats in Israel's Caves

DNA samples assisted the researchers in unlocking the new species of spiders found in the cave.

Furthermore, the report explained that the spiders underground managed to live without light. Their existence has been present in isolation; as a result, most of them are eye-reduced or blind.

Related Article: Bats Contribute to Keep Forests Growing and Protect Tree Seedlings From Insect Damage

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