Factors influencing specificity and choice of host in Argyrodes-antipodiana (Theridiidae, Araneae)

The spider Argyrodes antipodiana (O.P. Cambridge) from New Zealand is a kleptoparasite whose primary host in nature is an orb weaving spider, Aranea pustulosa (Walckenaer). The kleptoparasite's bias towards this host is stronger in the summer than in the winter. In the laboratory, Argyrodes was significantly better at obtaining food on the webs of Aranea pustulosa, than on the webs of Achaearanea sp., and Badumna longinquus (L . Koch). Factors that may be responsible for host preferences and for variation in efficiency on different types of webs are discussed.