Arácnido Taxonomy

  Current range of the marbled cellar spider Holocnemus pluchei (Scopoli, 1763) (Araneae: Pholcidae) in south-western Ukraine Abstract The marbled cellar spider (Holocnemus pluchei) is a pholcid species considered nonnative in various parts of Europe and North America. We recently observed intensive dispersal of this species into south-western Ukraine, where it has been recorded for the first time in the Ukrainian Danube region, with increased abundance in the south of the region. Males were observed in the study area from March to September, with highest numbers recorded between May and July. Females were found from April to November, peaking in June and July. The maximum number of egg sacs was recorded at the end of July, and the minimum in August. In south-western Ukraine, the species shows high habitat plasticity, providing advantages in hunting and protection from predators. This, in turn, facilitates expansion of the species’ range, not only in south-western Ukraine but also ...