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...

Letter: Description of Two Cases of Spider Bites Attributed to Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae, Sicariidae) in Albania

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Letter: Description of Two Cases of Spider Bites Attributed to Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae, Sicariidae) in Albania

Fewer than 0.5% of spider species are medically significant, with the genus Loxosceles responsible for most dermonecrotic envenomings.1,2 In the Mediterranean, Loxosceles rufescens is the primary species associated with loxoscelism.2 This synanthropic spider thrives in human dwellings, typically biting only when inadvertently provoked.1,3,4 Its venom, containing sphingomyelinase D, triggers local inflammation and necrosis,1,5 and rarer the acute localized exanthematous pustulosis.6 Diagnosis is often challenged by initial painlessness, leading to frequent misidentification as bacterial infections.2,4,5 These cases in Albania highlight the need for improved clinical recognition of regional spider-bite occurrences.7
Two cases were retrospectively documented via interviews and photos. Informed consent was obtained from both participants. 
Vrenozi, B., & Dugon, M. Letter: Description of Two Cases of Spider Bites Attributed to Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae, Sicariidae) in Albania. Dermatitis®. https://doi.org/10.1177_17103568261444624