Scientists discovered a tiny wall-dwelling spider that preys on common urban pests and may aid natural pest control. Its resemblance to a distant Galapagos species suggests a possible evolutionary link.
Researchers from several South American institutions have expanded understanding of the Pikelinia spider genus with the discovery of a new crevice weaver species, Pikelinia floydmuraria. The name honours the iconic rock band Pink Floyd while also reflecting the spider’s preferred habitat.
“Muraria,” derived from the Latin word for “wall,” points to its tendency to live within building walls and references the band’s album The Wall. The findings were published in the open-access journal Zoosytematics and Evolution.
Although these spiders are only 3 to 4 millimeters long (about 0.12 to 0.16 inches), they may play an important role in controlling household pests. Analyses of the diet of P. floydmuraria and a related Pikelinia population in Armenia, Colombia, showed that they mainly consume Hymenoptera (such as ants), Diptera (flies and mosquitoes), and Coleoptera (beetles).
Researchers observed these spiders capturing and eating ants up to six times larger than their prosoma (body). The study also found that they regularly target common urban pests, including mosquitoes (Culicidae) and houseflies (Muscidae).
By placing their webs near artificial lights, the spiders appear to take advantage of insects attracted to light, allowing them to trap prey more effectively and contribute to a healthier urban ecosystem.
