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...

Description of seven new species of Theraphosidae (Araneae, Theraphosinae; Ischnocolinae) from Ecuador, along with the identification of a new variation of type I urticating setae

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Description of seven new species of Theraphosidae (Araneae, Theraphosinae; Ischnocolinae) from Ecuador, along with the identification of a new variation of type I urticating setae

Abstract

Seven Theraphosidae species are newly described from Ecuador: from the genus Pamphobeteus Pocock, 1901: Pamphobeteus contramina sp. nov. (male, female) and Pamphobeteus guacamayos sp. nov. (female); from the genus Thrixopelma Schmidt, 1994, Thrixopelma supay sp. nov. (female) and Thrixopelma michaeli sp. nov. (male); from the genus Hapalopus Ausserer, 1875, Hapalopus planetearth sp. nov. (female); and from the genus Holothele Karsch, 1879, Holothele incurva sp. nov. (male) and, Holothele tsala sp. nov. (female). Images of a male syntype of Pamphobeteus augusti (Simon, 1889) are included, along with a distribution map of all Pamphobeteus species found in Ecuador. The presence and distribution of urticating abdominal setae type I, III and IV are discussed, and a new variation of type I urticating setae is described.

Dupérre, N. & Tapia, E. (2025) Description of seven new species of Theraphosidae (Araneae, Theraphosinae; Ischnocolinae) from Ecuador, along with the identification of a new variation of type I urticating setae. Zootaxa, 5722 (4), 451–484. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.4.1