BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE TRUE SPIDER Latrodectus geometricus KOCH 1841(ARANEAE: THERIDIIDAE) FEEDING ON DIFFERENT PREY UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS

This study was conducted to rear the spider Latrodectus geometricus Koch, 1841 (Theridiidae) when fed on different prey under laboratory conditions. The biological aspects including, 1-mating, 2-oviposition, 3-development, 4-adult longevity 5-lifecycle, 6-moulting, and 7-predation efficiency were carried out. Male and female pass through four and eight immature stages (spiderlings) respectively before reaching adult stage with the life cycle averaged 91.15 198.57 days respectively at 25^ oC. and relative humidity of 70-80 %. Obtained data also showed that the first and second spiderling consumed the largest number of red spider (Tetranychus urticae), both to sexes spiders, while the third and fourth spiderling fed on the Drosophila melanogaster. From fifth spiderlings two adult; the individuals fed on the different stage from larvae Spodopetra lettrolaris for males and females. However, the longevity periods of the spider lasted 25.4. and 171 39.71 days for male and female.