Diversity and distribution of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) in dry ecosystems of North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany)

Abstract

The present study provides a robust data set for ecological planning and conservation of dry ecosystems in western Germany in general and North Rhine-Westphalia in particular. We summarised all available data from recent publications that dealt with spiders in dry ecosystems of North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, so far unpublished results of a detailed investigation regarding spiders in sand habitats of the Westphalian Bay that was conducted between 2006 and 2008 are presented. The analysis focussed on the habitat types according to Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive and related habitats. The investigation areas were scattered in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The data set comprised a total of 84436 individuals from 371 species and 28 families. Overall, an endangerment status is assigned to 68 species. Of these, 12 spiders are in imminent danger of becoming extinct. Two species, <i>Erigonoplus globipes</i> and <i>Meioneta simplicitarsis</i>, are believed to be extinct in North Rhine-Westphalia. Seven species (<i>Dictyna major</i>, <i>Mastigusa arietina</i>, <i>Micaria formicaria</i>, <i>Styloctetor romanus</i>, <i>Thanatus striatus</i>, <i>Theridion uhligi</i> and <i>Xysticus ferrugineus</i>) are new to the arachnofauna of North Rhine-Westphalia

Impact of the invasive moss Campylopus introflexus on carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and spiders (Araneae) in acidic coastal dunes at the southern Baltic Sea

“…As both carabid beetles and spiders are known to be very sensitive to these factors (carabid beetles : Thiele 1977;Jukes et al 2001;spiders: Scheidler 1990;Grill et al 2005), impacts of C. introflexus encroachment on species compositions might be assumed. Moreover, especially dry and open habitats as the studied acidic coastal dunes, harbor several specialized xerothermic carabid (Desender 1996;Müller-Motzfeld 2004;Trost 2004) and spider species (Almquist 1973;Bonte et al 2000Bonte et al , 2003Buchholz and Kreuels 2009;Buchholz 2010). Furthermore, many carabid and spider species have low space requirements resulting in small-scale habitat use (Almquist 1973;Juen and Traugott 2004;Mazia et al 2006;Bates et al 2007;Ziesche and Roth 2008;Muff et al 2009).…”

Spider records from East Macedonia and Thrace (NE Greece)

“…Sitticus saltator is also an element of the European fauna (Nentwig et al 2013), but its occurrence seems to be restricted to dry habitats such as dry grassland, heathland and dunes (Bauchhenß 1995, Merkens 2002, Buchholz & Kreuels 2009, Buchholz & Schirmel 2011 and accordingly three females were found in a white dune of the Nestos delta.…”

Side Effects of Insecticides on Natural Enemies and Possibility of Their Integration in Plant Protection Strategies

“…In a local economy consumers have influence over the kind and quality of their food; they contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the local landscape. It gives everybody in the local community a direct, long-term interest in the prosperity, health, and beauty of their homeland (Buchholz & Kreuels (2009); Shoeb 2010; Cabral et al 2011).…”