The distribution, spatial clustering, and density of trapdoor spiders in two California coastal dune ecosystems

  The distribution, spatial clustering, and density of trapdoor spiders in two California coastal dune ecosystems Abstract Coastal dune ecosystems support endemic trapdoor spiders, yet population data for these species are limited. We conducted the first coastal dune trapdoor spider population estimation surveys at Moss Landing State Beach (California) and for Aptostichus stephencolberti Bond 2008 at Sunset State Beach using randomly selected 1m 2 quadrats across ~26,000 m 2 per site. Burrow densities were similar between sites (Sunset: 0.287 burrows/m 2 ; Moss: 0.453 burrows/m 2 ), yielding estimated population sizes of ~35,206 and ~30,959 individuals, respectively. However, spatial analyses revealed contrasting patterns of burrow distribution. At Sunset State Beach, burrow presence was strongly associated with vegetation and occurred closer to plants, despite vegetation being randomly distributed. In contrast, no vegetation–burrow association was detected at Moss Landing, alth...

Current state of knowledge of the spider (Araneae) diversity in Baja California Sur, Mexico

 


Current state of knowledge of the spider (Araneae) diversity in Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract


Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, we present a checklist comprising 326 species, 170 genera, and 43 families of spiders found in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This state ranks third nationally in spider diversity and harbors greater species richness than neighboring states. We highlighted endemic, medically important, and introduced species, such as Califorctenus cacachilensis Jimenez, Berrian, Polotov & Palacios-Cardiel, 2017, Latrodectus hesperus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935, and Amaurobius ferox (Walckenaer, 1830), respectively. The regional collection, located in La Paz, serves as an important reference for the arachnid and insect fauna of the region.

Tras una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica, presentamos una lista que comprende 326 especies, 170 géneros y 43 familias de arañas encontradas en Baja California Sur, México. Este estado ocupa el tercer lugar a nivel nacional en diversidad de arañas y alberga una mayor riqueza de especies que los estados vecinos. Destacamos especies endémicas, de importancia médica e introducidas, como Califorctenus cacachilensis Jimenez, Berrian, Polotov & Palacios-Cardiel, 2017, Latrodectus hesperus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935 y Amaurobius ferox (Walckenaer, 1830), respectivamente. La colección regional, ubicada en La Paz, sirve como una importante referencia de la fauna de arácnidos e insectos de la región.


María-Luisa Jiménez, David Chamé-Vázquez "Current state of knowledge of the spider (Araneae) diversity in Baja California Sur, Mexico," The Pan-Pacific Entomologist, 101(2), 161-183, (27 June 2025) https://doi.org/10.3956/2025-101.2.161