Ground-dwelling spiders (Araneae) in citrus orchards in Spain

Abstract

A survey of the ground-dwelling spiders (Araneae) was conducted in four citrus orchards in the province of Valencia, Spain. The sampling period was extended from August 2003 to August 2007. A total of 12 pitfall traps were diagonally distributed per orchard being regularly changed every 14 days. More than 3,000 individuals belonging to more than 25 species of 12 different families were collected. The family Lycosidae was the prevalent group, being Pardosa cribata Simon the main species of this family. Otherwise, Zodarion pusio Simon was the most abundant species of all the spiders captured. Ground-dwelling spiders were active throughout the year with peak populations in late spring and early summer.