Vibrational-detection
Guides
Argyrodes elevatus
dew-drop spider, American Dewdrop Spider
Argyrodes elevatus is a kleptoparasitic spider in the family Theridiidae that steals food from the webs of other spiders rather than building its own. Adults measure 4–7 mm in length, with males smaller than females. The species exhibits specialized adaptations for stealth, including vibrational detection of host activity, rapid prey theft completed in under 12 seconds, and nocturnal activity patterns that oppose those of diurnal host species. Courtship involves males presenting silk-wrapped prey as nuptial gifts to females.