Inflorescence-inhabiting spiders do not threaten the survival and fecundity of Anthonomus santacruzi (Curculionidae), a florivorous biocontrol agent of Solanum mauritianum (Solanaceae) in South Africa

Abstract

The florivorous weevil Anthonomus santacruzi is being released in South Africa to reduce the reproductive capacity of the invasive tree, Solanum mauritianum. Initiated to allay concerns about biotic interference, our study suggests that inflorescence-inhabiting spiders pose no risk to the survival and proliferation of A. santacruzi populations in the field.

Keywords:

• biotic interference
• flower-feeding weevils
• spider predation
• weed biological control
• woolly nightshade

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the ‘Working for Water’ Programme (Department of Environmental Affairs) for funding the senior author as part of their Weed Biocontrol Capacity Building Initiative. The authors would also like to thank anonymous referees for their comments on the draft manuscript.