First instance of non-sexual cannibalism in Plexippus paykulli (Audouin) (Araneae: Salticidae) in India

Plexippus paykulli is a dimorphic salticid. Males possess median white stripes on a black carapace and abdomen, whereas females are brownish, with a white me­dial band on the thoracic region and a white median band accompanied by two subdorsal white spots on the posterior third of the abdomen. Plexippus paykulli is widely pantropical and usually inhabits bushes, shrubs and human settlements. On 25 May 2021, near Bara Solemanpur Village (21.67210°N 87.57483°E) in Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal, India, the authors observed an unusual instance of cannibalism in which a male P. paykulli was seen consuming a conspecific male. The predator male was noticeably larger than the prey male, and the event lasted for about five minutes.