Trunk structural traits explain habitat use of a tree-dwelling spider (Selenopidae) in a tropical forest

Author(s)

Villanueva-Bonilla, German Antonio ^[1] ; Salomao, Adriana Trevizoli ^[2] ; Vasconcellos-Neto, Joao ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Programa Posgrad Biol Anim, CP 6109, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Programa Posgrad Ecol, CP 6109, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Anim, CP 6109, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY; v. 85, p. 108-115, NOV 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Habitat selection by spiders may be strongly influenced by biotic, climatic, and physical factors. However, it has been shown that the selection of habitats by generalist predators (like spiders) is regulated more by the physical structure of the habitat than by prey availability. Yet, the preferences of spiders in relation to plants or plant traits remain poorly explored. In a remnant of the Atlantic forest in Brazil, the spider Selenops cocheleti is frequently detected on the trunks of plants from the Myrtaceae family. Here, we investigated quantitatively and experimentally whether the colonization of trees by S. cocheleti is related to plant species or the presence of specific structures on trunks. We found that S. cocheleti preferentially occurred on plants of the family Myrtaceae. This spider was also strongly associated with trees that have smooth trunks and/or exfoliating bark. Non-Myrtaceae plants that were occupied by this species have exfoliating bark (e.g., Piptadenia gonoacantha) or deep fissures on the trunk (e.g., the exotic species Pinus elliottii). Our results indicate that the selection of host plants by S. cocheleti is not species-specific, but based on the structural characteristics of plants. Trunks with exfoliating bark may benefit spiders by providing shelter against predators and harsh climatic conditions. Smooth surfaces might allow rapid movements, facilitating both attacks on preys and escape from predators. Our study emphasizes the importance of the physical structure of the habitat on spider's distribution. Future studies investigating how specific plant characteristics influence prey acquisition and predator avoidance would improve our understanding of habitat selection by these animals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/16469-8 - Population dynamics and association of Selenops cocheleti Simon, 1880 (Araneae: Selenopidae) with plants of family Myrtaceae in the Serra do Japi, São Paulo, Brasil
• Grantee: German Antonio Villanueva Bonilla
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 08/57949-4 - Institute to Studies of the Parasitic Hymenoptera at the Brazilian Southeastern Region – HYMPAR
• Grantee: Angélica Maria Penteado Martins Dias
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants