| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Messas, Y. F.
;
Souza, H. S.
;
Gonzaga, M. O.
;
Vasconcellos-Neto, J.
Total Authors: 4
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Journal of Natural History; v. 48, n. 43-44, p. 16-pg., 2014-11-25. |
| Abstract | |
Spider habitat types are often restricted by specific biotic and/or abiotic factors. Abiotic physical limitations include temperature and humidity; and biological conditions influencing spider habitat include vegetation type, natural enemies and prey availability. The orb-weaver spider, Eustala perfida (Araneidae), typically builds its web against tree trunks, where it is highly camouflaged. In the present study, we evaluated E. perfida spatial distribution and substrate selection in Serra do Japi, an Atlantic Forest region located in Jundiai (Sao Paulo, Brazil). We established plots within and at the forest edge at three altitudes, and measured trunk diameter, web height above ground level, presence of trunk concavities, and spider number in trees within plots. Eustala perfida occurred at all three altitudes, and was more common at the intermediate elevation. All individuals were observed within the forest interior, with the highest occurrence on trunks with diameter at breast height >30cm. Trunk diameter varied among sites, and E. perfida distribution apparently followed large trunk availability. On large diameter trunks, spiders typically placed their webs over concavities, and tended to build in rough areas covered by lichens and mosses at levels as high as ~150cm above ground level. Selection of large rough trunks covered by lichens and mosses is probably an adaptation to remain concealed from visually oriented predators. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 11/02537-6 - Natural History of Eustala sp1 (Araneae, Araneidae) |
| Grantee: | Hebert da Silva Souza |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation |
| FAPESP's process: | 11/15456-4 - Biology and Ecology of Eustala taquara (Keyserling, 1982), (Araneae, Araneidae) in Serra do Japi, Jundiaí - SP |
| Grantee: | Hebert da Silva Souza |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |
| FAPESP's process: | 11/15457-0 - Natural History and Population Ecology of Eustala perfida Mello-Leitão, 1947 (Araneae, Araneidae) in Serra do Japi, Jundiaí - SP |
| Grantee: | Yuri Fanchini Messas |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |
| FAPESP's process: | 11/02535-3 - Natural history of Eustala sp2 (Araneae, Araneidae). |
| Grantee: | Yuri Fanchini Messas |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation |