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

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  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...

Interception of the egg sac of the Spiny-backed Orbweaver Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the United Kingdom on produce from Costa Rica (Araneae: Araneidae)

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Interception of the egg sac of the Spiny-backed Orbweaver Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the United Kingdom on produce from Costa Rica (Araneae: Araneidae)

Abstract
An egg sac of the non-native spider Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Araneidae) found on the leaf of an imported shrub Heptapleurum arboricola Hayata (Araliaceae) from Costa Rica is described and illustrated following its interception in the United Kingdom.

Deady, Rob & Sherwood, Danniella. (2025). Interception of the egg sac of the Spiny-backed Orbweaver Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the United Kingdom on produce from Costa Rica (Araneae: Araneidae). Natura Somogyiensis. 46. 21-24. 10.24394/NatSom.2025.46.21. https://doi.org/10.24394/NatSom.2025.46.21