Work

Dataset of Moura et al. (2026): "Spiders as urban allies: The contribution of jumping spiders to mosquito biological control in an urban environment"

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Data set from Moura et al. 2025, where each tab contains data from the models: (1) spider model, (2) mosquito model and (3) stable isotopes of N and C. The article is available in the Journal of Pest Science. Spiders as urban allies: The contribution of jumping spiders to mosquito biological control in an urban environment The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a multi-pathogen vector of human diseases. Massive efforts have been devoted to understanding its biology and developing control techniques, but fewer studies have investigated the influence of its natural enemies, especially for adult mosquitoes. Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are well-adapted to urban environments and show potential for controlling mosquito populations. However, the study of these interactions in urban areas is still incipient. We investigated whether the spider community and Ae. aegypti populations overlap temporally and spatially and how they are related to dengue incidence in a Brazilian city with high dengue incidence. We sampled jumping spiders using a visual capture method and installed mosquito egg traps in districts of the city with different levels of dengue incidence. We conducted these surveys in the dry and wet seasons and used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to assess whether jumping spiders consume Ae. aegypti. We found three species (Menemerus bivittatus, Hasarius adansoni, and Corythalia conferta), of which the most abundant among districts and seasons was M. bivittatus. Spider community was denser during the dry season and in areas with low dengue incidence. Accordingly, mosquito eggs were less abundant in periods and areas with low spider density, specifically during the wet season and in areas with low dengue incidence. Stable isotope ratios indicate that M. bivittatus indeed feeds on Ae. aegypti females. Our findings suggest that jumping spiders can be involved as controlling agents of Ae. aegypti populations, potentially reducing the spread of dengue and providing a basis for encouraging further studies on the influence of urban spiders on mosquito populations and dengue management.

Source: Journal of Pest Science

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17177786

Authors: Rios Moura, Rafael, Xavier, Gabriel Máximo, Pires, Julio Cesar Ribeiro, Dias Silva, William, Huckembeck, Sônia, Gonzaga, Marcelo

Institutions: Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande

Language: English

Topic: Mosquito-borne diseases and control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,790