Elevated CO2 concentration affects survival, but not development, reproduction, or predation of the predator Hylyphantes graminicola (Araneae: Linyphiidae).

Abstract Elevated CO2 concentrations can change the multi-level nutritional relationship of the ecosystem through the cascading effect of the food chain. To date, few studies have investigated the effects of elevated CO2 concentration on the Araneae species through the tritrophic system. Hylyphantes graminicola (Araneae: Linyphiidae) is distributed widely in Asia and is a dominant predator in cotton fields. This study investigated chemical components in the food chain of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)—cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii)—predator (H. graminicola) and compared the development, reproduction, and predation of H. graminicola under ambient (400 ppm) and elevated concentration of CO2 (800 ppm). The results showed that the elevated CO2 concentration increased the chemicals of cotton and cotton aphid, but it did not affect the nutrients, development, reproduction, and predation of the spider. However, the survival rate of the spider was significantly decreased in elevated CO2. The results will further our understanding of the role of natural enemies in an environment with elevated CO2 concentration.