Env Exp Biol (2011) 9: 1–8

Seasonal activity of wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) in coastal dune habitats at Akmensrags-Ziemupe Nature Reserve, Latvia

Abstract

Observation of spider seasonal activity are needed to determine the complete spider fauna of investigated habitats. Spider seasonal dynamics have not been studied previously in Latvia. Here we present the first results on seasonal activity of Lycosidae spiders in dune habitats at the coast of Baltic Sea in Latvia. The spiders were collected with modified pitfall traps from April 2 until November 12, 2006. In total, 843 adult spiders of five genera and 15 species and 531 juvenile spiders were collected. High activity periods occurred in spring, summer and autumn, indicated by spider numbers. Specific species were characteristic for each season: Alopecosa cuneata, Pardosa palustris, P. pullata, Trochosa ruricola and T. terricola – for spring; Alopecosa pulverulenta, Pardosa palustris and Xerolycosa miniata – for summer (the last two species were found only in summer) and Alopecosa fabrilis – for autumn and also spring. Males were more active than females. The activity of juveniles was positively correlated with mean air temperature during the observation period, while adults did not show this relationship.