The green lynx spider (Peucetia viridana), a visually hunting, web-free arachnid, plays a significant role as a predator in diverse ecosystems. This study investigates the prey preferences of P. viridana to understand its feeding ecology and potential as a biological control agent. Field observations were conducted in natural habitats, recording predation events and prey species composition. The results revealed that P. viridana preys primarily on insects, with a marked preference for Diptera and Hymenoptera, followed by Lepidoptera and Orthoptera. Prey selection appeared influenced by prey size, abundance, and mobility, with larger, easily captured prey preferred. This predator demonstrated a broad dietary spectrum, indicating opportunistic feeding behavior while showing potential for regulating pest populations. The findings highlight the ecological significance of P. viridana and contribute to understanding its role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Green lynx spider, Peucetia viridana, Arachnid predation

Huffaker CB, Messenger PS (1976) Theory and Practice of Biological Control. Academic Press, New York.

Whitcomb WH (1974) Natural populations of ento-mophagous arthropods and their effects on the agro ecosystem. Proc. Mississippi Symp. Biocontrol, Univ. Press Miss 1974: 150-169.

Dondale CD (1958) Note on the population densities of spiders (Araneae) in Nova Scotia apple orchards. Canadian Entomol 90: 111-113.

Putman WL (1967) Prevalence of spiders and importance as predators in Ontario peach orchards .Canadian Entomol.

Yeargan KV (1975) Prey and periodicity of Pardosa ramulosa (McCook) in alfalfa. Env. Entomol 4: 137-141.

Moulder BC, DE Reichle (1972) Significance of spider predation in the energy dynamics of forest-floor arthropod communities, Ecol, Monog 42: 473-498.

Kajak A (1965) An analysis of food relations between the spiders. Araneus cornutus.

Olive C (1980) Foraging specializations in orb-weaving spiders. Ecology 61: 1133-1144.

Turner M, Polis G (1979) Patterns of coexistence in a guild of raptorial spiders. Animal Ecol 48: 509-520.

Weems HV, Whitcomb WH (1977) The green lynx spider, Peucetia viridans (Hentz) (Araneae: Oxyopidae). Florida Dept. Agr. Consumer Serv. Div. Plant Industry, Entomol.