SURVIVORSHIP OF GROUND SPIDER Pardosa oakleyi (GRAVELY) UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS ON NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL DIETS

The survival rate of Pardosa oakleyi (Gravely) was studied under laboratory conditions on natural and artificial diets. Twenty females and ten males were released in separate cages and observed to the last moult, till death of adult individuals. No hatching was observed in cocoons without females. Hatching percentage was recorded 72% on natural diet while on artificial diet it was 62%. First moult existed inside the cocoon, the nest stage emerged from cocoon, climbed on mother’s back (grossomere). High mortality rate was observed in earlier stages as compared to later one. Interestingly females showed an increased average life span as compared to males. High survival rate was recorded on natural diet mainly due to balanced diet contents. The artificial diet was good enough to achieve maturity but with long duration and high mortality rate. After analysis it was observed that artificial diet has balanced nutrient profile but lack some hormones essential for proper growth and development. The consumption of artificial food by the ground spider is of indication that mass rearing of such individuals could be employed as they are predator of majority of insect pest species.