MadSci Network: General Biology |
The bolas spiders (Family Araneidae, several species in the North American genus Mastophora and the Australian genus Celaenia)are known to produce a pheromone analog that attracts male moths of a few species in the family Noctuidae. The moths are trapped on a sticky ball on the end of a silk line (the bolas). Other non-web building araneids, such as those in the genus Kaira (which does not use a bolas), may also produce pheromone analogs. See: Eberhard, W. G. 1977. Agressive chemical mimicry by a bolas spider. Science 198:1173-1175. McKeown, K. C. 1952. Australian spiders, 2nd ed. Angus and Robertson Sydny.
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