Evarcha culicivora is a species of jumping spider (family Salticidae) found only around Lake Victoria in Kenya and Uganda.[1] At maturity, E. culicivora spiders have an average size of 5 mm for both males and females. The range in size for either sex is quite small, with females being only slightly larger on average (4–7 mm compared to 3–6 mm).[2]
It is commonly known as the vampire spider because it indirectly desires the blood of vertebrates. It does this by predating on blood-sucking female mosquitoes in the genus Anopheles, the mosquito responsible for transmitting malaria in the region, as well as other vector-borne diseases in humans.[1] Experimentally, these spiders are considered Anopheles specialists.[3]E. culicivora has an association with the introduced Lantana camara and the native Ricinus communis plants. They consume the nectar for food and preferentially use these plants as a location for courtship.[4]
The mating interactions of E. culicivora is species-specific. Their mating interactions follow mutual mate choice in which both males and females have preferences for partners and perform displays. These preferences vary with gender and age. This behavioral characteristic differs from other jumping spiders, where the majority of males show preference and pursue females.[4]
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Evarchaculicivora is a species of jumping spider (family Salticidae) found only around Lake Victoria in Kenya and Uganda. At maturity, E. culicivora...
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bacteria have been studied for use as control agents. The jumping spider Evarchaculicivora indirectly feeds on vertebrate blood by preying on female Anopheles...
the flowers as an opportunistic flower feeder. A jumping spider, Evarchaculicivora, has an association with L. camara. They consume the nectar for food...
hambletoni and the nutmeg (Discestra trifolii). A jumping spider Evarchaculicivora has an association with R. communis. They consume the nectar for food...
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Cross is best known for detecting food preference in East African Evarchaculicivora spiders for female Anopheles mosquitos fed recently on mammalian blood...
produced by females, both contact and air-borne. The jumping spider Evarchaculicivora uses the scent of blood from mammals and other vertebrates, which...
Anopheles-specific prey-capture behavior by the small juveniles of Evarchaculicivora, a mosquito-eating jumping spider" (PDF). The Journal of Arachnology...
prey. The spider preys on insects. As prey itself for the species Evarchaculicivora, there is no significant preference for the predator between spiders...
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