Stick insects (Phasmida) as prey of spiders: size, palatability and defence mechanisms in feeding tests

The maximum body length of the phasmid Carausius morosus which the ctenid spider Cupiennius salei can overwhelm is 2-3x larger than the length of crickets. Eight phasmid species were offered to Cupiennius salei in feeding tests. Among them, Carausius morosus was raised on 4 different food plants. All species of prey items were accepted by the spider predator very readily (>80%). This indicates that phasmids are a highly palatable prey group for spiders. The possible importance of chemical defence and its obvious lack under laboratory conditions are discussed.