Occurrence and population dynamics of the true spider and pests associated with wheat plants in Qalubiya and Beni–Suif Governorates

Abstract EN

Spiders associated with wheat plants were recorded in Qalubiya and Beni-Suef Governorates in Egypt, during the period from January to May 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Results revealed the occurrence of fifteen spider species belonging to eleven families, namely, Agelenidae, Araneidae, Dictynidae, Filistatidae, Linyphiidae, Lycosidae, Cheracanthiidae, Philodromidae, Salticidae, Theridiidae and Uloboridae.

Agelenidae, Araneidae, Dictynidae, Linyphiidae, Lycosidae, Salticidae and Theridiidaefamilies were the most dominant with frequency percentage of 100% on wheat in two Governorates.

Population density of spider families in Qalubiya Governorate reached the highest peaks on wheat in early March by 42 and in early May 44 individuals during 2016, whereas, it has one peak in early March recorded 49 individuals during 2017.

However, the population density of spider families in Beni-Suef have two peaks in early March by 48 and in early May 51 individuals during first year, while in the second year the peaks in mid February by 50 and in mid March recorded 53 individuals.

The two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch.

(Acari : Tetranychidae) and Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) has one annul peak in March, while the Frankliniella tritici (Fitch ) (Thysanoptera : Thripidae ) have one annul peak on mid of May in the two Governorates.

The results suggested that the true spider can play an important role for control pests on wheat plant in the two Governorates.