Aspects of the ecology and behaviour of the Seychelles theraphosid Nesiergus insulanus (Arachnida : Araneae : Theraphosidae)
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Date
Authors
Canning, Gregory
Reilly, Brian Kevin
Dippenaar-Schoeman, Anna S. (Anna Sophia), 1948-
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Council of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum
Abstract
Aspects of the ecology and life history of the little known theraphosid Nesiergus insulanus are determined
on Frégate Island in the Seychelles archipelago. The general behaviour of this species is revealed to be
comparable to that of other theraphosids, with field and captive observations establishing that they are a
generalist and opportunistic species. The defensive behaviour of the species is determined to be based
primarily on the avoidance of conflict situations, with overt aggressive behaviour seldom displayed. Although
the opportunistic existence that this species has developed is probably obligatory due to their sedentary
lifestyle and limited availability of resources, this behaviour nonetheless allows the species to occupy diverse
habitats and exploit niches unavailable to more specialized species.
Description
Keywords
Behaviour, Ecology, Generalist, Opportunistic, Exploit, Aggressive
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Canning, G, Reilly, BK & Dippenaar-Schoeman, AS 2015, 'Aspects of the ecology and behaviour of the Seychelles theraphosid Nesiergus insulanus (Arachnida : Araneae : Theraphosidae)', African Invertebrates, vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 167-180.