Spider Diversity on the Oceanic Island of Fernando De Noronha, Brazil, and Implications for Species Conservation

Abstract

Fernando de Noronha is an oceanic archipelago in Brazil that has been subjected to major alterations in its natural habitat, as it is exposed to increasing rates of tourism. This research aimed at performing the first survey of spider species on the main island, focusing on the environmental occupation and conservation status of local species. Spiders were sampled through pitfall traps, beating sheets, and active collection in the dry (October 2005) and rainy (April 2006) seasons in several parts of the island, such as urban and protected areas. A total of 1,532 adult spiders from 44 species distributed in 20 families were collected. Forty-two species are newly recorded on the archipelago, of which 10 appear to be native. Theridiidae and Salticidae were the richest families, with seven and five species respectively. Hogna sp., probably an endemic Lycosidae species, had the highest abundance throughout the study (17%). Several non-native species were found, especially in the surroundings of human habitations. Areas exposed to human settlements had higher diversity indices and evenness values when compared to preserved areas. Most species were classified as being diurnal space web-weavers. The results suggest that non-native species seemed to be established on the island, due mainly to the traffic of people and goods from the continent.

Untangling taxonomy: a DNA barcode reference library for Canadian spiders

“…Because of this difficulty, biotic surveys frequently neglect spiders, despite their diversity and important role as predators in terrestrial ecosystems (Freitas et al . ).…”

“…In fact, because most keys are only effective for adults and often just for males, many individuals cannot be identified to a species level through morphological analysis. Because of this difficulty, biotic surveys frequently neglect spiders, despite their diversity and important role as predators in terrestrial ecosystems (Freitas et al 2013).…”

To boldly go: on invasive goblin spiders in Brazil (Araneae, Oonopidae)

“…58), where it may have been introduced earlier than in the USA. Freitas et al (2013) Diagnosis. Brignolia parumpunctata can be easily separated from B. dasysterna by the males having a ventrally directed protrusion situated medially on the clypeus ( Fig.…”

Species diversity of Spiders (Araneae) in Mimbilisan Protected Landscape, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

“…Royauté & Buddle (2012) reported that in agricultural fields, there are evidences that synchronization with habitat changes and disturbances are present in species that are dominant. Areas near or with human settlements in Brazil have higher spider diversity indices and evenness values when compared to undisturbed areas (Freitas et al, 2013). Environment alterations may affect their distribution and assemblages by variations of plant community structure, disturbance, and abiotic factors (Juario et al, 2016).…”

“…Guild structure of spiders is useful in studying ecology in describing diversity in communities (Freitas et al, 2013). The presence of this guild may be explained by the type of vegetation in the area which could provide adequate space of varying extent for building webs.…”