Abstract Spider species are important for maintaining ecological balance, controlling insect populations, and providing potential sources of medicinal compounds. Highlighting the importance of spider species, the present study was aimed at exploring the diversity of spider fauna and species richness in various habitats in District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from March 2021 to December 2021. Spiders were collected through different methods: pitfall traps, cryptic searching, ground hand collection, aerial hand collection, and vegetation beating. Then, the captured spiders were washed in alcohol and preserved in a combination of 80% alcohol and 20% glycerol for further observation. Identification was carried out with the help of available spider identification keys and literature. A total of 578 specimens representing 29 species from 17 families and 26 genera were collected and identified. Family Lycosidae was the most dominant family (13.49%), followed by Salticidae (10.2%), Araneidae (8.47%), Tetragnathidae (7.61%), Pholicidae (6.4%), Oxyopidae (5.88%), Thomisidae (5.7%), Clubionidae (5.53%), Sicariidae (5.19%), Scytodidae (5.01%), Corinnidae (4.67%), Agelenidae (4.32%), Cheiracanthiidae and Sparassidae (4.15%), Oecobiidae and Hersiliidae (3.97%) and Theridiidae was the rarest among all (1.21%). The most commonly identified species are Hippasa partita, Lycosa poonaesis, Lycosa terrestris, Draposa oakleyi, Plexippus paykulli, Menemerus nigli, Thyene imperialis, Thyene bivittate and Hasarius adansoni. Argiope versicolor, Neoscona theisi, Tetragnatha extensa, Crossopriza lyoni, and Oxyopes Javanus. During the present study, it was observed that spider species were abundantly found in warm areas from May to August, which demonstrates that the spider fauna of the study area is very rich but has yet to be explored. balance populations compounds Mardan Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan 202 methods traps searching collection beating Then 80 20 observation literature 57 2 1 13.49%, 1349 13.49% , 13 49 (13.49%) 10.2%, 102 10.2% 10 (10.2%) 8.47%, 847 8.47% 8 47 (8.47%) 7.61%, 761 7.61% 7 61 (7.61%) 6.4%, 64 6.4% 6 4 (6.4%) 5.88%, 588 5.88% 5 88 (5.88%) 5.7%, 5.7% (5.7%) 5.53%, 553 5.53% 53 (5.53%) 5.19%, 519 5.19% 19 (5.19%) 5.01%, 501 5.01% 01 (5.01%) 4.67%, 467 4.67% 67 (4.67%) 4.32%, 432 4.32% 32 (4.32%) 4.15%, 415 4.15% 15 (4.15%) 3.97% 397 3 97 (3.97% 1.21%. 121 1.21% . 21 (1.21%) partita poonaesis terrestris oakleyi paykulli nigli imperialis adansoni versicolor theisi extensa lyoni Javanus August explored 134 13.49 (13.49% 10.2 (10.2% 84 8.47 (8.47% 76 7.61 (7.61% 6.4 (6.4% 58 5.88 (5.88% 5.7 (5.7% 55 5.53 (5.53% 51 5.19 (5.19% 50 5.01 0 (5.01% 46 4.67 (4.67% 43 4.32 (4.32% 41 4.15 (4.15% 3.97 39 9 (3.97 12 1.21 (1.21% 13.4 (13.49 10. (10.2 8.4 (8.47 7.6 (7.61 6. (6.4 5.8 (5.88 5. (5.7 5.5 (5.53 5.1 (5.19 5.0 (5.01 4.6 (4.67 4.3 (4.32 4.1 (4.15 3.9 (3.9 1.2 (1.21 13. (13.4 (10. 8. (8.4 7. (7.6 (6. (5.8 (5. (5.5 (5.1 (5.0 4. (4.6 (4.3 (4.1 3. (3. 1. (1.2 (13. (10 (8. (7. (6 (5 (4. (3 (1. (13 (1 (8 (7 ( (4

Resumo As espécies de aranhas são importantes para manter o equilíbrio ecológico, controlar populações de insetos e fornecer fontes potenciais de compostos medicinais. Destacando a importância das espécies de aranhas, o presente estudo teve como objetivo explorar a diversidade da fauna de aranhas e a riqueza de espécies em vários habitats no Distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão, de março de 2021 a dezembro de 2021. As aranhas foram coletadas por meio de diferentes métodos: armadilhas de queda, busca críptica, coleta manual no solo, coleta manual aérea e batida na vegetação. Em seguida, as aranhas capturadas foram lavadas em álcool e preservadas em uma combinação de 80% de álcool e 20% de glicerol, para observação posterior. A identificação foi realizada com a ajuda de chaves de identificação de aranhas disponíveis e da literatura. Um total de 578 espécimes representando 29 espécies, de 17 famílias e 26 gêneros, foram coletados e identificados. A família Lycosidae foi a família mais dominante (13,49%), seguida por Salticidae (10,2%), Araneidae (8,47%), Tetragnathidae (7,61%), Pholicidae (6,4%), Oxyopidae (5,88%), Thomisidae (5,7%), Clubionidae (5,53%), Sicariidae (5,19%), Scytodidae (5,01%), Corinnidae (4,67%), Agelenidae (4,32%), Cheiracanthiidae e Sparassidae (4,15%), Oecobiidae e Hersiliidae (3,97%) e Theridiidae, que foi a mais rara entre todas (1,21%). As espécies mais comumente identificadas são Hippasa partita, Lycosa poonaesis, Lycosa terrestris, Draposa oakleyi, Plexippus paykulli, Menemerus nigli, Thyene imperialis, Thyene bivittate e Hasarius adansoni, Argiope versicolor, Neoscona theisi, Tetragnatha extensa, Crossopriza lyoni e Oxyopes Javanus. Durante o estudo atual/presente, observou-se que espécies de aranhas foram encontradas abundantemente em áreas quentes de maio a agosto, o que demonstra que a fauna de aranhas da área de estudo é muito rica, mas ainda pouco explorada. ecológico medicinais Mardan Pakhtunkhwa Paquistão 202 métodos queda críptica solo vegetação 80 20 glicerol posterior literatura 57 2 1 gêneros identificados 13,49%, 1349 13,49% , 13 49 (13,49%) 10,2%, 102 10,2% 10 (10,2%) 8,47%, 847 8,47% 8 47 (8,47%) 7,61%, 761 7,61% 7 61 (7,61%) 6,4%, 64 6,4% 6 4 (6,4%) 5,88%, 588 5,88% 5 88 (5,88%) 5,7%, 5,7% (5,7%) 5,53%, 553 5,53% 53 (5,53%) 5,19%, 519 5,19% 19 (5,19%) 5,01%, 501 5,01% 01 (5,01%) 4,67%, 467 4,67% 67 (4,67%) 4,32%, 432 4,32% 32 (4,32%) 4,15%, 415 4,15% 15 (4,15%) 3,97% 397 3 97 (3,97% Theridiidae 1,21%. 121 1,21% . 21 (1,21%) partita poonaesis terrestris oakleyi paykulli nigli imperialis adansoni versicolor theisi extensa Javanus atualpresente atual atual/presente observouse observou se agosto rica explorada 134 13,49 (13,49% 10,2 (10,2% 84 8,47 (8,47% 76 7,61 (7,61% 6,4 (6,4% 58 5,88 (5,88% 5,7 (5,7% 55 5,53 (5,53% 51 5,19 (5,19% 50 5,01 0 (5,01% 46 4,67 (4,67% 43 4,32 (4,32% 41 4,15 (4,15% 3,97 39 9 (3,97 12 1,21 (1,21% 13,4 (13,49 10, (10,2 8,4 (8,47 7,6 (7,61 6, (6,4 5,8 (5,88 5, (5,7 5,5 (5,53 5,1 (5,19 5,0 (5,01 4,6 (4,67 4,3 (4,32 4,1 (4,15 3,9 (3,9 1,2 (1,21 13, (13,4 (10, 8, (8,4 7, (7,6 (6, (5,8 (5, (5,5 (5,1 (5,0 4, (4,6 (4,3 (4,1 3, (3, 1, (1,2 (13, (10 (8, (7, (6 (5 (4, (3 (1, (13 (1 (8 (7 ( (4

Abstract Background: Phonotimpus pennimani (Araneae, Phrurolithidae) is a small-sized (3-5 mm) spider endemic to the Tacaná volcano in Chiapas, Mexico, where it is found in soil litter of cloud forests and coffee plantations. Its venom composition has so far not been investigated, partly because it is not a species of medical significance. However, it does have an important impact on the arthropod populations of its natural habitat. Methods: Specimens were collected in Southeastern Mexico (Chiapas) and identified taxonomically by morphological characteristics. A partial sequence from the mitochondrial gene coxI was amplified. Sequencing on the Illumina platform of a transcriptome library constructed from 12 adult specimens revealed 25 toxin or toxin-like genes. Transcripts were validated (RT-qPCR) by assessing the differential expression of the toxin-like PpenTox1 transcript and normalising with housekeeping genes. Results: Analysis of the coxI-gene revealed a similarity to other species of the family Phrurolithidae. Transcriptome analysis also revealed similarity with venom components of species from the families Ctenidae, Lycosidae, and Sicariidae. Expression of the toxin-like PpenTox1 gene was different for each developmental stage (juvenile or adult) and also for both sexes (female or male). Additionally, a partial sequence was obtained for the toxin-like PpenTox1 from DNA. Conclusion: Data from the amplification of the mitochondrial coxI gene confirmed that P. pennimani belongs to the family Phrurolithidae. New genes and transcripts coding for venom components were identified. Background Araneae, Araneae (Araneae Phrurolithidae smallsized small sized 35 3 5 (3- mm Chiapas plantations investigated significance However habitat Methods (Chiapas characteristics amplified 1 2 toxinlike like RTqPCR RT qPCR (RT-qPCR PpenTox Results coxIgene Ctenidae Lycosidae Sicariidae juvenile female male. male . male) Additionally DNA Conclusion P (3 (

ABSTRACT Perennial ryegrass is one of the most important food sources in animal production. However, several pests affect this crop, and one of the primary control strategies is the symbiotic relationships between ryegrass endophyte fungi. This fungus produces alkaloids that exhibit toxic activity against arthropods. Furthermore, the effect of fungi may extend to higher trophic levels, including predators (spiders and/or insects), decreasing their abundance and diversity. Given the importance of spiders and insects as predators, whether the symbiotic interaction between perennial ryegrass and endophyte fungus reduces the abundance and diversity of predators pose an important question. To address this question, natural enemies in perennial ryegrass were collected and analyzed over a year, and the percentage of endophyte fungus was evaluated by the presence of hyphae from two ryegrass cultivars, Jumbo (E-) and Alto AR1 (E+). We observed an 80% endophyte infection rate for (E+) and 0% for (E-). Moreover, 222 individual spiders corresponding to 10 families were identified in both perennial ryegrasses, including 209 individuals for (E-) and 13 for (E+). The most abundant spider family was Lycosidae, representing 71.17% of the total spiders. In addition, 65 insects were collected, corresponding to 6 families, with Carabidae being the most abundant. Furthermore, the Simpson index indicated the dominance of the family Lycosidae. Overall, spider and insect abundance and diversity were reduced in (E+), suggesting a negative effect of the endophyte on predator populations. production However crop arthropods Furthermore levels andor or insects, , insects) question year cultivars E (E- AR E+. E+ . 80 (E+ 0 E. Moreover 22 1 ryegrasses 20 Lycosidae 7117 71 17 71.17 addition Overall E+, populations (E 8 2 711 7 71.1 71.

In order to contribute to spider diversity distribution records within Zimbabwe, spiders were sampled at a mixed wildlife and cattle ranch using pitfall traps and sweep-netting. Sampling was conducted from June 2017 to April 2018. A total of 2328 spiders representing 25 families, 94 genera, and 166 species were recorded. The most species-rich families were Salticidae (33 spp.), followed by the Gnaphosidae (28 spp.) and Lycosidae (20 spp.), while eight families were represented by a single species. Pitfall traps accounted for 1857 individuals overall, with the ground-dwelling fauna dominated by Stenaelurillus guttiger (37.86% of the total abundance). Sweep-nets accounted for 471 individuals overall, with the grass-dwelling fauna dominated by Thyene thyenioides (15.29% of the total abundance). The most abundant functional group was the free-living ground-dwellers (n = 1809, 77.71%), followed by free-living plant-dwellers (n = 266, 11.43%) and orb-web builders (n = 186, 7.98%). The current study contributes to the knowledge of a megadiverse group of predatory arthropods in the region. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: Sampling and monitoring of rangelands is essential, as the former aids in the identification of new species not previously recorded, as well as increasing knowledge on the distribution of spider species, which if not adequately conserved could face significant threats to their survival even before their documentation.

BACKGROUND: The north-eastern mountainous region of South Africa has been identified as a spider diversity hotspot and centre of endemisim. The Blouberg is an isolated inselberg that forms part of the Soutpansberg geological complex, the northernmost mountain in South Africa OBJECTIVES: This article provides an updated species list of the Blouberg spiders, which includes details of the distribution patterns and conservation statuses of all taxa. Exotic species and species of special conservation concern are identified METHOD: Surveys were conducted between 2005 and 2012, and a range of collecting methods were used to sample both the ground and field layers RESULTS: A total of 47 families were sampled in 210 genera and 346 species. The families of Salticidae (45 spp.), Gnaphosidae (32 spp.), Thomisidae (31 spp.), Araneidae (26 spp.) and Lycosidae (24 spp.) were the most diverse. Five species are of conservation concern, one species is Vulnerable, one is possibly exotic and 62 species are South African endemics CONCLUSION: Presently, 17% of South African species are protected on the mountain and its surrounding foothills. The latter are of particular conservation concern, while the mountaintop and its associated habitats are under-sampled

Abstract: Spiders are ideal predators for studies of environmental variation and disturbance due to their small size and ease of collection. In two major mountains of northeastern Mexico: Cerro El Potosí (in Southern Nuevo León) and Peña Nevada (in Southern Tamaulipas), 45 spider communities were studied. Human activity, vegetation type, disturbance, livestock, and land degradation were measured. As a hypothesis, it was anticipated finding low spider diversity in highly degraded sites. 541 individuals from 23 families were found. The most abundant families were Lycosidae, Anyphaenidae and Gnaphosidae. Spider species distribution was highly associated with presence of leaf-litter. Spider diversity was unrelated to elevation or disturbance. Pardosa sp. was the most abundant and dominant at well-preserved sites. Lycosidae, Thomisidae and Pholcidae were more abundant in areas with greater human intervention. This study in two important forest zones in northeastern Mexico will be a guide for future research on biodiversity on forest ecosystems and influence of environmental variation and disturbance.

Resumen: Las arañas son organismos depredadores que por ser pequeños y fáciles de detectar resultan ideales para la realización de estudios de variación ambiental y disturbio. Se estudiaron 45 comunidades de arañas en dos grandes montañas del noreste de México: el cerro El Potosí, en el sur de Nuevo León; y Peña Nevada, en el sur de Tamaulipas. Se determinó el tipo de vegetación, la actividad humana, la ganadería, y la degradación de suelo. Se definió un índice de disturbio. La hipótesis planteada se refiere a la presencia de una menor diversidad de arañas en los sitios con más disturbio. Se obtuvieron 541 individuos, agrupados en 23 familias; de ellas, las más abundantes fueron: Lycosidae, Anyphaenidae y Gnaphosidae. La distribución de las especies se asoció con la presencia de hojarasca. No se detectó relación entre la diversidad de arañas y la altitud o el disturbio. Pardosa sp. fue la más abundante en sitios conservados. Las familias Lycosidae, Thomisidae y Pholcidae fueron las mejor representadas en zonas con mayor intervención humana. Este estudio en dos zonas forestales importantes del noreste de México servirá de pauta para investigaciones posteriores de biodiversidad en ecosistemas forestales y la influencia de la variación ambiental y el disturbio.

Abstract: Spider fauna were characterized on Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus elliottii forests in the localities of Colonia Montaña (CM), San Miguel and Puerto Valle PV, Ituzaingó, Corrientes, Argentina. We used different indexes to measure alpha and beta diversity. There were 1,384 individuals, 805 on CM and 579 PV, belonging to 26 Araneomorphae families. In both localities, the families: Tetragnathidae, Araneidae and Lycosidae were the most abundant while: Araneidae, Salticidae and Theridiidae were the richest families. A lower species dominance was observed on CM eucalyptus and PV pine, therefore evenness indexes were highest in both plantations. There were no significant differences in the diversity between the forestations in both locations. Leucauge argyra (Tetragnathidae), Metazigya gregalis and M. voluptifica (Araneidae), were most abundant in CM, while that Leucauge venusta (Tetragnathidae) was the most abundant in the PV eucalyptus. Although these species were usually in the Ibera forest, in this plantation of open forest type, they are presented as pioneer and dominant, adapting easily to these areas on where the spider web may be deployed favorably.

Resumen: Se caracterizó la fauna de arañas de las forestaciones de Eucalyptus grandis y Pinus elliottii de las localidades: Colonia Montaña, San Miguel (CM) y Puerto Valle, Ituzaingó (PV) de Corrientes, Argentina. Se utilizaron diferentes índices para medir la diversidad alfa y beta. Se recolectaron 1,384 individuos, 805 en CM y 579 en PV, pertenecientes a 26 familias de Araneomorphae. En ambas localidades, las familias más diversas fueron: Araneidae, Salticidae y Theridiidae y las más abundantes: Tetragnathidae, Araneidae y Lycosidae. Se observó una menor dominancia de especies en los cultivos eucaliptos de CM y pinos en PV, por lo tanto se observa una mayor equidad en cuanto a número de especies en ambas plantaciones. No hubo diferencias significativas en la diversidad entre las forestaciones de ambas localidades. Las especies más abundantes en CM fueron: Leucauge argyra (Tetragnathidae), Metazigya gregalis y M. voluptifica (Araneidae); mientras que Leucauge venusta (Tetragnathidae) fue más abundante en los eucaliptos de PV. Si bien estas especies son comunes en los bosques naturales del Iberá, en estas plantaciones, que constituyen bosques abiertos, se presentan como pioneras y dominantes, adaptándose rápidamente a estas áreas donde los espacios parecen ser propicios para desplegar sus telas.

Abstract Edaphic arthropodofauna reflects the vegetation conditions and the soil functioning, therefore, its study is a useful tool to evaluate the soil crops sustainability. Oribatid mites and collembolan hexapods (mesofauna) as well as beetles and spiders (macrofauna) are permanent, abundant and diverse groups in these systems. They are essential organisms in the soil functioning because they regulate and participate in different stages of the decomposition process. The aim of the study was both, to identify the main components of the meso and macrofauna while a conventional tomato crop was developing its cycle and to propose a possible model of relationships among them which helps to assess positive effects due to healthy practices. The study was carried out in a farm where tomato conventional management was being applied, in the neighborhood area of La Plata city. The fauna was collected during a complete crop cycle from December 2012 to February 2013, using the appropriate procedures for each group. We collected 136 individuals and seven oribatid species, 59 individuals and nine collembolan species, 300 individuals and 12 spider species and 113 individuals and 32 coleopteran species. Among them, Scheloribates praeincisus acuticlava, Tullbergidae sp. 1, Glenognatha lacteovittata, Lycosidae sp. 2, Linyphiidae sp. 4 and Phyrdenus muriceus were the most abundant permanent populations in each group. The poor records of mesofauna indicate that it establishes weak links in the trophic soil network, possibly due to the disruptive effect of conventional management practices. The macrofauna presents the greatest number of individuals and specific diversity, especially spiders, probably by their capacity to move to the adjacent crop areas. It is concluded that the edaphic fauna stable group is principally composed by predators, saprophagous and phytophagous related to the crop, so they belong to the herbivory network more than the detritus one.

Resumen La artropodofauna edáfica refleja las condiciones de la vegetación y el estado del funcionamiento del suelo y, por lo tanto, su estudio es útil como herramienta de evaluación de la sustentabilidad de suelos cultivados. Ácaros oribátidos y hexápodos colémbolos (mesofauna); coleópteros y arañas (macrofauna) son grupos permanentes, abundantes y diversos en estos sistemas. Son organismos esenciales para el funcionamiento del suelo porque regulan y participan en distintas etapas del proceso de descomposición. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar a los principales componentes de la meso y macrofauna del suelo durante un ciclo de cultivo de tomate convencional y proponer un posible modelo de interrelaciones entre ellos, que sirva para evaluar los beneficios de la aplicación de prácticas consideradas más saludables. El estudio se llevó a cabo en una parcela sembrada con tomate, con manejo convencional, en el área periférica de la ciudad de La Plata. La fauna se recolectó durante un ciclo de cultivo completo desde diciembre de 2012 hasta febrero de 2013, a través de los procedimientos adecuados para cada grupo. Se recolectaron: 136 individuos y siete especies de oribátidos, 59 individuos y nueve especies de colémbolos, 300 individuos y 12 especies de arañas y 113 individuos y 32 especies de coleópteros. Entre ellas Scheloribates praeincisus acuticlava, Tullbergidae sp. 1, Glenognatha lacteovittata, Lycosidae sp. 2, Linyphiidae sp. 4 y Phyrdenus muriceus, fueron las más abundantes y permanentes poblaciones de cada grupo. El pobre registro de mesofauna indica que ésta constituye un eslabón débil en la red trófica del suelo, posiblemente debido al efecto disruptivo de las prácticas convencionales de manejo. Los representantes de la macrofauna presentan mayor número de individuos y de diversidad específica, especialmente las arañas, debido probablemente a que cuentan con la capacidad de trasladarse hacia zonas aledañas al cultivo. Se concluye que el conjunto estable de la fauna edáfica del sistema estudiado está constituido principalmente por depredadores, saprófagos y fitófagos relacionados con el cultivo, es decir pertenecen a la red de herbivoría más que a la de detritos.

Abstract: Four new records of spiders for Mexico (Herpyllus schwarzi, Nodocion rufithoracicus Phrurotimpus woodburyi and Thanatus altimontis) and four for the state of Coahuila (Euagrus chisoseus, Herpyllus propinquus, Latrodectus hesperus and Titanebo mexicanus) are presented. An updated list of 178 spider species of Coahuila in 100 genera and 32 families is given. The families with highest number of species were Gnaphosidae (39), Lycosidae (22) and Salticidae (15). The state of Coahuila ranks twelfth in the diversity of spiders in Mexico

Resumen: Se dan a conocer cuatro nuevos registros de especies de arañas para México (Herpyllus schwarzi, Nodocion rufithoracicus Phrurotimpus woodburyi y Thanatus altimontis) y cuatro registros nuevos para el estado de Coahuila (Euagrus chisoseus, Herpyllus propinquus, Latrodectus hesperus y Titanebo mexicanus). Se presenta un listado actualizado con 178 especies de arañas presentes en Coahuila, agrupadas en 100 géneros y 32 familias. Las familias con mayor número de especies fueron Gnaphosidae (39), Lycosidae (22) y Salticidae (15). El estado de Coahuila ocupa el doceavo lugar en la riqueza de arañas en México.

BACKGROUND: Ground-dwelling spider assemblages in shrublands and cultivated pastures in the South African Grassland Biome have never been comprehensively studied. OBJECTIVES: Epigeic spiders were collected in eight different habitats in the Amanzi Private Game Reserve in the Free State to determine assemblages of different vegetation types. METHODS: Three of the sampled habitats were contrasting low-lying shrublands; three were contrasting hill aspects (northern slope, southern slope and plateau) in the Buddleja saligna-Searsia burchellii-Olea europaea africana subcommunity; one habitat was cultivated Digitaria eriantha pastures, and the last habitat was an area in and around a freshwater dam. Spiders were sampled by pitfall trapping in early spring (Sept. 2012), mid-summer (Jan. 2013), mid-autumn (Apr. 2013) and mid-winter (July 2013). RESULTS: A total of 2982 adult spiders were collected, representing 129 species and 33 families. Ammoxenidae was the most abundant family (40.85%), followed by Gnaphosidae (21.26%), Zodariidae (10.80%) and Salticidae (10.26%). Gnaphosidae was the most species-rich family (24.81%), followed by Salticidae (13.18%), Lycosidae (11.63%) and Zodariidae (6.20%). Spider activity densities and species richness did not differ significantly between habitats, although significant seasonal fluctuations were detected. The three hill aspects and cultivated D. eriantha pastures had the most distinct assemblages, while those of the three low-lying shrublands and freshwater dam showed considerable overlap CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the aspect of hills has a significant effect in shaping spider assemblages, while the vegetation composition of shrublands is not strongly influential. The unique spider assemblages of cultivated D. eriantha pastures can be attributed to the absence of woody plants. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: This was the first study to investigate ground-dwelling spider assemblages in shrublands and cultivated pastures in the South African Grassland Biome. Our study confirms that hill aspects, shrublands and pastures harbour very different spider faunas. When identifying land for potential expansion or establishment of protected areas, conservation planners should ensure that the greatest diversity of vegetation units are included to optimise the conservation of biodiversity.

ABSTRACT Changes in land use management in agricultural areas can affect the biodiversity of spider families. This study aimed to evaluate spider diversity in different land use systems with capture by two sampling methods, and to identify soil properties that can modulate the occurrence of spiders. Five land use systems, representative of traditional agricultural areas, were evaluated in the west of Santa Catarina, Brazil, to establish a scale of land use intensity: native forest, eucalyptus reforestation areas, pastures, crop-livestock integration areas, and annual crops under no-tillage. The collection methods were manual from soil monoliths and soil traps. Altogether 479 individuals were captured, which were distributed among 20 families, 40 genera, and 8 species. Principal component analysis separated the land use systems and showed an association of spider families with land use in the two sampling methods. There was reduction in spider diversity as the intensity of land use increased. The manual collection method was more efficient for families of soil spiders, whereas traps were more efficient for epigeic spiders. The Lycosidae family was more resistant to environmental pressures, while Oonopidae and Amaurobiidae were more sensitive to environmental modifications. The differences in the spider communities were explained by the following soil properties: organic matter, mean weight-diameter of soil aggregates, and resistance to penetration, which were associated with the degree of anthropic intervention in the land use systems.

ABSTRACT Spiders, as predators of insects and other invertebrates, are an important part of the natural enemies, and they are recognized as an important biological control agent. Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758), the diamondback moth (DBM), is a well-known and destructive insect pest of brassicaceous crops worldwide. Here, we analyzed the functional responses of four spiders (Araneae) - Ebrechtella tricuspidata (Fabricius, 1775) (Thomisidae), Pardosa laura (Karsch, 1879) (Lycosidae), Pardosa astrigera (Koch, 1878) (Lycosidae), and Pardosa pseudoannulata (Bösenberg & Strand, 1906) (Lycosidae) - on P. xylostella larvae. We also analyzed intraspecific disturbances in the predation reaction and the intensity of scrambling competition of the spiders to P. xylostella larvae. Our results demonstrated that the functional responses of four spiders of different genera were in line with the Holling II model. Two Lycosidae spiders (P. astrigera and P. pseudoannulata) had the potential to control P. xylostella, and female and male spiders that belonged to the same species had different functional responses to P. xylostella. The functional responses of female predation of P. astrigena, P. laura, and P. pseudoannulata was stronger than the males, but male E. tricuspidatus had stronger functional responses to predation than females. We used the Hassell model to describe the intraspecific disturbance experiments of four spiders. There were intraspecific disturbances in the predation reactions of spiders, indicating that the predation ratio of spiders decreased in relation to the increase of its density, and with the increase of spider density, the intensity of scrambling competition of the spider increased.

RESUMO. No Pampa, o pastejo, como outros distúrbios, afeta a fauna e a flora, proporcionando uma maior heterogeneidade no ambiente. Pouco se sabe como a diversidade e a riqueza de artrópodes muda durante este impacto. Para aprimorar o conhecimento de como a diversidade de aranhas é afetada pelo pastejo, experimentos foram realizados no Pampa. A hipótese é que a abundância de aranhas será diferente quando áreas pastejadas e sem pastejo são comparadas. Um bloco de duas parcelas, cada uma com um hectare, foi estabelecido em três fazendas na APA (Área de Proteção Ambiental) do Ibirapuitã, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Um destes hectares foi fechado com cercas, excluindo o pastejo do gado, em agosto de 2012. As amostragens foram realizadas em novembro de 2011, 2012 e 2013 usando armadilhas de queda preenchidas com formol 4% e dispostas em formato de “X” em cada hectare. Foram utilizados para análise estatística Teste T, ANOSIM, ANOVA e Rarefação. Um total de 1.315 aranhas foi amostrado, compreendendo 77 espécies ou morfoespécies de 20 familias. A família mais abundante foi Lycosidae, seguida de Hahniidae, Linyphiidae e Theridiidae. Linyphiidae foi a família mais rica, com 14 espécies ou morfoespécies identificadas. A soma das abundâncias de aranhas jovens e adultas, a abundância de apenas aranhas adultas e a abundância total somente das espécies mais abundantes foram utilizadas como modelos estatísticos. Estes modelos não revelaram diferença significativa entre áreas com e sem pastejo mesmo após três ou 15 meses de exclusão do gado.

ABSTRACT. At the Pampa Biome, grazing, like others disturbances, affects fauna and flora, creating heterogeneity in the environment. Little is known about how the diversity and richness of arthropods change during this impact. To improve the knowledge of how spider diversity is affected by grazing, experiments were realized at Pampa. The hypothesis is that abundance of spider will be different when comparing grazed and ungrazed areas. A paired block, with two areas of one hectare each, was established in three areas in the Environmental Protection Area of Ibirapuitã (APA Ibirapuitã), state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. One of these hectares was closed with fences, excluding the catle grazing, in August of 2012. Samplings were realized in November of 2011, 2012 and 2013 using Pitfall traps filled with formol 4% and disposed in an “X” format in each area. For statistical analyses, T test, ANOSIM, ANOVA and Rarefaction were performed. A total of 1,315 spiders were captured, comprising 77 species or morphospecies belonging to 20 families. The family most abundant was Lycosidae followed by Hahniidae, Linyphiidae and Theridiidae. Linyphiidae was the richest family with 14 species or morphospecies identified. All spiders, adults and juveniles, only adults in species and morphospecies, and most abundant species were used as models for statistics. These models revealed no significant difference between grazed and ungrazed areas after three and 15 months of cattle exclusion.

The Exotic plant species invasion in the Argentine Espinal region causes a change in the appearance of the landscape, altering the environment and producing a significant loss of biodiversity. We studied the composition of ground spiders in Parque General San Martín, Entre Ríos, during the summer and winter seasons of 2012. Three areas were selected: pajonal (P), native forest (BN) and exotic forest (BE), pitfalls were used for sampling. A total of 1398 spiders (26 families and 120 species/morphospecies) were collected. The most abundant families in the different areas were Lycosidae (n=574; 41.06%), Tetragnathiidae (n=223; 15.95%) and Linyphiidae (n=137; 9.80%). The guild category "ground hunters" (n=632) "sheet web weavers" (n=262) and "orb webs weavers" (n=244) were highly represented in all sampling areas. Diversity indices showed that BN was more diverse than P and BE. Complementarity values obtained between P and BE and BN were higher than 71%, while BE and BN showed values of 63%. This study constitutes the first record of the spider´s community of Parque General San Martín.

La invasión de especies leñosas exóticas en la región argentina del Espinal provoca un cambio en la fisonomía del paisaje ya que altera el ambiente y produce la pérdida de biodiversidad. Se estudió la composición de arañas asociada al suelo del Parque General San Martín, Entre Ríos, durante el verano e invierno de 2012. Se seleccionaron tres ambientes: pajonal (P), bosque nativo (BN) y bosque exótico (BE), y se utilizaron trampas de caídas para el muestreo. Se recolectaron en total 1398 arañas (26 familias y 120 especies/morfoespecies). Las familias más abundantes en los tres ambientes fueron Lycosidae (n=574; 41.06%), Tetragnathiidae (n=223; 15.95%) y Linyphiidae (n=137; 9.80%), respectivamente. Los gremios que presentaron la mayor abundancia fueron "cazadoras corredoras sobre suelo" (n=632), "tejedoras de telas en sábanas" (n=262) y "tejedoras de telas orbiculares" (n=244), representados en todos los ambientes estudiados. Los perfiles de diversidad indicaron que el BN fue más diverso que el P y el BE. Los valores de complementariedad mostraron una diferencia de 71% entre P-BE y P-BN, y de 63% entre BE-BN. Este trabajo constituye el primer registro sobre la comunidad de arañas de suelo del Parque General San Martín.

Se analizó la variación temporal de la composición y estructura de la araneofauna en la Reserva Campesina La Montaña (RCM), departamento del Atlántico, Colombia. Se realizaron 10 muestreos entre noviembre de 2012 y agosto del 2013, con el fin de abarcar las épocas seca y de lluvias. Se delimitó un transecto lineal de 500 m de largo por 20 m de ancho, donde se marcaron 10 puntos de muestreo distanciados 50 m. En cada uno las arañas fueron capturadas empleando los métodos de captura manual (CM), agitación del follaje (AF), cernido de hojarasca (CH) y trampa de caída (TC). Se capturaron 1.866 individuos distribuidos en 32 familias, destacándose Araneidae como la más abundante con 525 individuos (28,1%), seguida por Salticidae y Lycosidae con 407 (21,8%) y 173 individuos (9,27%) respectivamente. La primera familia presentó su mayor abundancia en mayo (108), mientras que Salticidae presentó el mayor valor en enero (69) y Lycosidae en febrero con 33 individuos. Con respecto a la riqueza, los mayores valores se presentaron en junio (25) y diciembre con 22 familias. Adicionalmente, se registraron ocho gremios, de los cuales el más abundante (567 individuos) fue las constructoras de telas orbiculares (CTO), presentándose el mayor valor en mayo; mientras que las cursoriales del suelo (CS) fueron las más diversas (10 familias), siendo enero, febrero y junio los meses con mayor (8) número de familias. Estos resultados demuestran que las comunidades de arañas en la zona presentan un patrón temporal que depende de los cambios estacionales que se dan en el Bosque Seco Tropical.

The temporary variation of the composition and structure of arachnofauna in the Reserva Campesina La Montaña (RCM), department of Atlántico, Colombia was analyzed. Ten samples were taken between November 2012 and August 2013 in order to cover the dry and rainy seasons. A 500 m long, 20 m wide linear transect was delimited, where 10 sampling points spaced 50 m from each other were marked. In each sampling point, spiders were collected using manual capture methods (MC), agitation foliage (AF), litter sifting (LS) and pitfall trap (PT). A total of 1,866 individuals distributed in 32 families were captured. The family Araneidae was the most abundant with 525 individuals (28.1%), followed by Salticidae and Lycosidae with 407 (21.8%) and 173 individuals (9.27%) respectively. The first family showed its greater abundance in May (108), while Salticidae showed the highest value in January (69) and Lycosidae in February with 33 individuals. With regard to the family richness, the highest values occurred in June (25) and December with 22 families recorded. Additionally eight guilds were observed from which the most abundant (567 individuals) were the orb weaving (OW) constructors, with the highest value in May while cursorial soil spiders (CS) were the most diverse (10 families), being January, February and June the months with the greatest number of families (8). These results demonstrate that the spider communities in the area present a temporal pattern that depends on seasonal changes that occur in the Dry Tropical Forest.