A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species

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  A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species Abstract The ability to adhere to surfaces is particularly relevant for cursorial predatory arthropods like hunting spiders, which often traverse relatively complex environments characterized by large variation in substrate properties. Here, we evaluated the adhesive performance of six hunting spider species that are common in eastern temperate North America and lack specialized tarsi for climbing smooth or inclined surfaces [Lycosidae: Pardosa lapidicina Emerton, 1885 and Rabidosa rabida (Walckenaer, 1837); Oxyopidae: Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845; Pisauridae: Pisaurina mira (Walckenaer, 1837); Dolomedidae: Dolomedes triton (Walckenaer, 1837), and Dolomedes scriptus Hentz, 1845]. We tested adhesion performance as shear load resistance (g) on a glass plate, and as the angle of failure (°) when the plate was gradually inclined relative to horizontal. Average angle of failure and shear resistance differed among ...

Rediscovery of a rare species of Paruroctonus (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae) from Big Bend National Park, Texas

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Rediscovery of a rare species of Paruroctonus (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae) from Big Bend National Park, Texas

ABSTRACT 

A recent search at Big Bend National Park has recovered specimens of Paruroctonus williamsi after a lapse of over 50 years with no records of the species, underscoring the importance of continued monitoring for rare species. This study includes photographs of living specimens, documentation of their habitat, comparisons with other species of Paruroctonus found at Big Bend National Park, and a list of scorpions observed near P. williamsi.

Many thanks to Western North American Naturalist, BYU, for providing me with the full-paper.

Leister, Matthew (2024) "Rediscovery of a rare species of Paruroctonus (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae) from Big Bend National Park, Texas," Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 84: No. 4, Article 10.