Predatory behavior of the social spider Mallos gregalis : Is it cooperative?

摘要: 1- In the communal, non-territorial spiderMallos gregalis, large numbers of individuals share communal webs and feed as groups on same prey. The seemingly cooperative nature this behavior is critically examined. 2- It misleading to characterize spiders when they contact prey a predatory attack since web, rather than direct action spiders, evidently principal factor in subduing Flies landing are trapped for considerable time periods, often indefinitely, even if not contacted by spiders. 3- Predation may be indirectly through web-building activites, larger built more effective traps. 4- Since adult males lack functional cribella, seem at least partially parasitic with respect web building predation. 5- Some bite flies, then depart after short period. Other remain these flies. Possibly, departing contribute handling upon which do themselves feed.