Seasonal Variation in Whole-Body Elemental Concentrations and Excreta Production of a Riparian Orb-Weaving Spider (Larinioides cornutus)

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  Seasonal Variation in Whole-Body Elemental Concentrations and Excreta Production of a Riparian Orb-Weaving Spider (Larinioides cornutus) ABSTRACT Predators influence nutrient cycling by assimilating elements from their prey and returning nutrients to ecosystems via excretion and discarded prey remains. However, seasonal variation in the contribution of predators to nutrient cycling remains poorly understood, particularly for terrestrial arthropod predators such as spiders. We examined temporal variation in whole-body elemental concentrations, excreta C and N concentrations, and cumulative excreta output in a riparian orb-weaving spider ( Larinioides cornutus ) across the growing season of 2024. Adult females were collected across seven sampling periods spanning mid-June to early October, and whole-body concentrations of macronutrients (carbon [C], nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P]) and multiple trace elements were quantified. Whole-body N and P concentrations, and several trace elemen...

First record of Micrepeira hoeferi (Araneae, Araneidae) in the state of Ceará, Brazil

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First record of Micrepeira hoeferi (Araneae, Araneidae) in the state of Ceará, Brazil

We report the first two records of Micrepeira hoeferi Levi, 1995 from the state of Ceará, Brazil. These records are based on the collection of 19 specimens from two nearby montane, semi-deciduous tropical forests located in the municipalities of Pacoti and Baturité. The specimens were deposited as voucher material in the Natural History Collection of the Federal University of Piauí. This report also represents the highest elevation at which M. hoeferi has been recorded (738 m a.s.l.), suggesting that the species is highly adaptable to a range of habitats.

Reportamos los dos primeros registros de Micrepeira hoeferi Levi, 1995 en el estado de Ceará, Brasil. Estos registros se basan en la captura de 19 especímenes en dos bosques tropicales semideciduos montanos ubicados en Pacoti y Baturité. Los individuos fueron depositados como material de referencia en la Universidad Federal de Piauí. Este reporte representa la mayor altitud a la que se ha registrado Micrepeira hoeferi (738 m s. n. m.), lo que sugiere que la especie posee una gran capacidad de adaptación a diversos hábitats.

Morales, J. (2025) “First record of Micrepeira hoeferi (Araneae, Araneidae) in the state of Ceará, Brazil”, Biota Colombiana, 26, p. e1265. doi: 10.21068/26193124.1265.