Microhabitat selection and co-occurrence of Pachistopelma rufonigrum Pocock (Araneae, Theraphosidae) and Nothroctenus fuxico sp. nov. (Araneae, Ctenidae) in tank bromeliads from Serra de Itabaiana, Sergipe, Brazil

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Author(s):	Dias, Sidclay Calaça ; Brescovit, Antonio D. ^[2] Total Authors: 2
Document type:	Journal article
Source:	Revista Brasileira de Zoologia; v. 21, n. 4, p. 789-796, Dec. 2004.
Field of knowledge:	Biological Sciences - Zoology
Abstract
Microhabitat selection and co-occurrence of Pachistopelma rufonigrum Pocock (Theraphosidae) and Nothroctenus fuxico sp. nov. (Ctenidae), in tank bromeliads were investigated. Thermal conditions, inside and outside the plants, were measured in order to verify if the temperature of the water that accumulates inside the plant affects the behavior of these species. Measurements of foliar parameters were taken in order to evaluate if and how plant structure affects spider abundance and microhabitat selection. Apparently, differences in plant structure do not affect either spider abundance or microhabitat selection. No microhabitat preference was observed and co-ocurrence of both species was a random event. In addition, notes on the distribution range of P. rufonigrum and the description of N. fuxico sp. nov. from State of Sergipe, Brazil are presented. (AU)

FAPESP's process:	99/05446-8 - Biodiversity of Arachnida and Myriapoda of the State of São Paulo
Grantee:	Antonio Domingos Brescovit
Support type:	BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants