21st March
Beetles: it’s what’s for breakfast—at least for the red widow spider of Florida’s “scrub” habitat, according to a study by University of Missouri biologist James Carrel. The study provides a first glimpse at the diet of this mysterious spider, revealing that it primarily preys upon species of scarab beetles common to the scrub habitat. Carrel’s findings shed light on red widow spiders’ restriction to the Florida scrub habitat and the need for habitat conservation efforts.
“The pine scrub habitat, found on sandy ridges in Central and Southeastern Florida, is one of the oldest in North America,” said Carrel, Curators Professor Emeritus in the MU Division of Biological Sciences. “Many of the plants and animals found on these ridges, including the red widow spider, are restricted to these high, dry areas. Our research suggests that red widows have evolved to specialize on scarab beetles because they are reliable food sources.”
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