Arctic-Alpine and Boreo-Montane spider (Araneae) species in epigeic spider communities in the Subalpine zone of the Eastern Alps

• Main Author: Rėlys, Vygandas
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2000
• Subjects: Arctic
• Online Access: http://vu.lvb.lt/VU:ELABAPDB3217113&prefLang=en_US

Epigeic spider communities from 57 localities situated at altitudes of 1500 m up to 2300 m were analysed with the aim of evaluating any impact of arctic-alpine and boreo-montane spider species on these communities. 27 spider species having such disjunct distribution patterns were found. In 14 subalpine localities no species from both groups were found. Proportions of these groups in the communities were remarkably lower than of the alpine- endemic species. Borco-montane species were not numerous. In most cases they made up 1- 2%, rarely 3%, of all collected specimens. Most arctic-alpine species have a centre of distribution in the alpine zone, only few were well represented in high subalpine localities. In high subalpine communities more than 15% of species and 10% of specimens can belong to arctic-alpine species. Only two arctic-alpine species (Meoneta gulosa and Oreonetides vaginatus) and one borco-montane species (Micaria aenea) regularly spread to lower zones and habitats. Ecology and Ronal distribution were rather atypical for the arctic-alpine species Collinsia nemenziana THALER.