Ecological and Morphological Studies of Archaeodictyna condocta and Nigma conducens (Araneae: Dictynidae)

The morphological and ecological differences between two species of spiders belonging to the family Dictynidae Archaeodictyna condocta and Nigma conducens were studied, and the two species were recorded on citrus and mango trees in Cairo and Giza governorates respectively. These two species are described with male and female genitalia in this paper. A. condocta was found in clusters on the leaves of citrus trees, which indicates social behavior between all stages. Females laid about 10 eggs/egg sac high fertility live together without cannibalism, while N. conducens found individually on leaves of mango trees, which indicates that the sociality is absent. Females laid about 5 eggs/egg sac low fertility live together without cannibalism too. These species could have a potential role as bioagents against pests of orchard trees, and they can be bred in large quantities and released. By knowing the prey preference, we can make a controlling program for some pests.