Spiders feeding on vertebrates is more common and widespread than previously thought, geographically and taxonomically

According to a recent global literature survey, total of 39 out the 129 known spider families (∼30%) contain species capable capturing vertebrate prey. The finding that percentage engaged in predation is so high novel. Two groups vertebrate-eating spiders are distinguished: “habitual vertebrate-eaters” vs. “occasional vertebrate-eaters”. habitual vertebrate-eaters comprise ten (Araneidae, Atracidae, Ctenidae, Lycosidae, Nephilidae, Pisauridae, Theraphosidae, Theridiidae, Trechaleidae, and Sparassidae) which can be attributed 91% all reported incidents. have evolved prey-capture adaptations such as (1) sufficient physical strength coupled with large body size, (2) use potent venoms, (3) highly efficient prey-catching webs. By contrast, unexpected feeding on vertebrates by occasional (i.e., Actinopodidae, Agelenidae, Amaurobiidae, Anyphaenidae, Barychelidae, Clubionidae, Corinnidae, Ctenizidae, Cyrtaucheniidae, Deinopidae, Desidae, Dipluridae, Eresidae, Filistatidae, Gnaphosidae, Haplonoproctidae, Linyphiidae, Liocranidae, Miturgidae, Oxyopidae, Pholcidae, Porrhothelidae, Salticidae, Selenopidae, Sicariidae, Sparassidae, Tetragnathidae, Thomisidae) might considered chance events took place when tiny crossed path an opportunistic spider. For few (e.g., Idiopidae) their status or predators still unclear. In conclusion, our survey unveiled number taxa previously not anticipated feed These findings improve general understanding ecology provide first assessment significance prey food source for spiders.