Agelenids of the World

Systematics and Taxonomy of Agelenidae, a Worldwide distributed Spider Family

Seasonal abundance and diversity of spiders in two intertidal marsh plant communities

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1985
Authors:M. W. LaSalle, de la Cruz A. A.
Journal:Estuaries
Volume:8
Pagination:381-393
Date Published:1985
ISBN Number:0160-8347
Keywords:[Seasonal abundance / / ] [Intertidal zone / / Marsh plant habitats, Araneae (Arachnida)., Araneae [Species diversity / / Intertidal marsh plant habitats], Community structure, Ecology, Habitat, Intertidal marsh plants] [Mississippi / / St Louis Bay, Jourdan River, Land zones, Marine, Marine benthic zone, Nearctic, North America, Population dynamics, region, Seasonal abundance & diversity in intertidal marsh plant habitats]., seasonal abundance & diversity] [Plant and vegetation habitats / /, Terrestrial habitat, USA
Abstract:

The spiders of two Mississippi [USA] marsh communities were studied from January 1982 through March 1983. Monthly collections were made in two adjacent marsh plant zones dominated by Spartina cynosuroides (L.) Roth and Juncus roemerianus Scheele respectively. A total of 38 species of spiders (36 in Spartina, 33 in Juncus) representing 13 families were collected. The dominant species in the Spartina zone included Pirata mayaca Gertsch, Lycosa watsoni Gertsch (Lycosidae), Clubiona saltitans Emerton, Scotinella formica (Banks) (Clubionidae), Floricormus sp. (Linyphiidae), Dictyna sylvania Chamberlin & Ivie (Dictynidae), Paramaevia hobbsae (Barnes) (Salticidae), and Agelenopsis barrowsi Gertsch (Agelenidae). The dominant species in the Juncus zone included Lycosa watsoni, Pirata mayaca, Clubiona saltitans and Sarindia henzi (Banks) (Salticidae). Density, biomass, species richness and equitability peaked in May in the Juncus zone and in June in the Spartina zone. Peak levels of density and biomass corresponded to the reproductive activity of the common species, while diversity patterns were attributable to the reproductive activity of the less common species. Mean values of density and biomass over the study period were 84.8 spiders per m2 and 155.6 mg per m2 in the Spartina zone and 39.4 spiders per m2 and 133.0 mg per m2 in Juncus zone. The Juncus zone was flooded more frequently, contained less litter, and supported lower overall density and diversity of spiders.

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