A 4-year study of invasive and native spider populations in Maine
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Invasive spiders pose potential threats to native spiders. In 2002, the European spider Linyphia triangularis (Clerck, 1757) (Araneae: Linyphiidae) was discovered in all but one county in Maine. At Acadia National Park, we conducted a 4-year study of L. triangularis and three native linyphiid species of a similar size (Frontinella communis (Hentz, 1850), Pityohyphantes subarcticus Chamberlin and Ivie, 1943, and Neriene radiata (Walckenaer, 1842)). Using line-transect surveys, we measured population densities in coastal and forest habitat. The density of L. triangularis varied across years but was always significantly higher on the coast than in the forest. In contrast, only one native species was present on the coast and at very low numbers. Coastal L. triangularis were larger and in better condition than those in the forest, and numbers and biomass of insect prey were also higher on the coast. In 2 years, we also conducted transects at a second coastal location in Maine where the invader was at low density. At that site, native densities were substantially higher than at either Acadia site. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that L. triangularis is reducing populations of native spiders. Companion studies suggest that L. triangularis negatively impacts natives by usurping both web sites and webs.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | A 4-year study of invasive and native spider populations in Maine |
| Series title | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
| DOI | 10.1139/z11-050 |
| Volume | 89 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | NRC Research Press |
| Publisher location | Ottawa, ON |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 10 p. |
| First page | 668 |
| Last page | 677 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |