Susceptibility of Loxosceles sp. to the arthropod pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae: potential biocontrol of the brown spider.

BACKGROUND

Loxosceles genus (brown spider) is an important pest with great impact on public health. Thus, more effective strategies for spider control are necessary.

METHODS

Three isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae fungus were tested for the control of Loxosceles sp.

RESULTS

Metarhizium anisopliae isolate E6 was highly virulent to the Loxosceles sp. spider, causing 100% mortality at 10(9) conidia/ml after 12 days and 9 days for juvenile and adult spiders, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of the pathogenicity of M. anisopliae against a venomous arthropod. This fungus could offer an interesting alternative to reduce loxoscelism in future biocontrol strategies.