Spatial Scale Modulates the Effect of Habitat Amount on Diversity Patterns of Arachnid Assemblages Across Different Brazilian Ecosystems

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  Spatial Scale Modulates the Effect of Habitat Amount on Diversity Patterns of Arachnid Assemblages Across Different Brazilian Ecosystems ABSTRACT Aim We evaluated how native vegetation cover influences the diversity of arachnid assemblages across multiple spatial scales in major Brazilian ecosystems. Location Brazil (Amazon and Atlantic rainforests, Cerrado savanna and Caatinga dry forest). Taxon Arachnida (Opiliones, Pseudoscorpiones and Scorpiones). Methods We sampled arachnids at 120 sites using active search and litter sifting. Native vegetation cover was quantified at three spatial scales (100, 200 and 300 m buffers) using GIS data. Assemblage structure was assessed using abundance, species richness, and Hill numbers ( q  = 0, 1 and 2). Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate responses across taxonomic groups and ecosystems. Results We recorded 3986 individuals from 179 species. Diversity responses to native vegetation cover were taxon-, ecosystem- and scale-de...

Preliminary survey of midget cave spiders (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from forest ecosystems in southern China with the description of three new species

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Preliminary survey of midget cave spiders (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from forest ecosystems in southern China with the description of three new species

Abstract

This study reports six leptonetid species from three genera collected in karst-associated forest ecosystems of southern China. Three new midget cave spider species are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: Pararana jiufushanensis Yao & K. K. Liu, sp. nov. (♂, ♀; Fujian Province), P. songyuani Yao & K. K. Liu, sp. nov. (♂; Guangdong Province), and Leptonetela zhaoruii Yao & K. K. Liu, sp. nov. (♂, ♀; Fujian Province). Notably, the female of P. gaofani Lin & Li, 2022 is described for the first time, while the holotype of P. mingxuani Yao & Liu, 2024 is illustrated with detailed images of the male palpal characters. Additionally, Rhyssoleptoneta lishan Tong, 2024 is newly recorded in Jiangsu Province, expanding its known geographic range. Detailed distribution records are provided for all species, emphasizing southeastern China’s significance as a hotspot for leptonetid diversity and adaptive radiation. These findings refine taxonomic frameworks for karst-associated spiders and enhance understanding of their biogeographic patterns in East Asian karst systems.

Wang Z-J, Liu B-L, Yao Y-B, Shi Y-Y, Liu K-K (2025) Preliminary survey of midget cave spiders (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from forest ecosystems in southern China with the description of three new species. ZooKeys 1247: 187-205. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1247.154546