Specialized predator-prey interactions are key to understanding ecological and evolutionary dynamics. We document the predatory behaviour of Vigdisia praesidens, a theridiid spider recently discovered to feed on Nasutitermes canaliculatus termites during nest repair in Marojejy National Park, Madagascar. We induced damage to N. canaliculatus mounds in Analamazaotra National Park, >500 km south of Marojejy, promptly followed by mass arrival of V. praesidens to the nest. Based on direct observations and 800+ photographs and videos, we detail the predatory strategies of Vigdisia. Spiders arrive soon after termite nest disturbance, construct a silken scaffold, then hunt by flicking sticky silk towards termites at cavity edge or by fishing: casting silk into the nest interior. Spiders capture both workers and soldiers, the latter without eliciting defensive response, then haul them to nearby vegetation via the scaffold. Spiders aggressively competed for captured prey, with captors successfully defending their catch. Pheidole spinosa ants successfully stole dead termites temporarily abandoned by Vigdisia, in a three-way species interaction similar to the one documented in Marojejy. Male Vigdisia arrived in abundance to nearby vegetation, presumably seeking mating opportunities, but did not hunt. Our findings extend the known range of V. praesidens, support its specialized predation, and underscore that inducing termite-nest damage may reveal additional spider stenophagy worldwide.
