Population Dynamics And Phenology Of The Wall Crab Spider Selenops Cocheleti Simon, 1880 (araneae: Selenopidae) In Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Over a two-year period, we conducted population studies of Selenops cocheleti inhabiting trunks of Plinia cauliflora (Myrtaceae) and Pinus elliottii (Pinaceae) in southeastern Brazil. Adult females were present year-round while adult males were only present during summer, indicating a stenochronous summer phenological pattern. The longevity of adult females enables them to continuously generate egg-sacs throughout the year, resulting in the permanent recruitment of individuals. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the life-history of S. cocheleti and how climatic variables and prey abundance influence the population abundance of the different age classes and adult sexes.

Over a two-year period, we conducted population studies of Selenops cocheleti inhabiting trunks of Plinia cauliflora (Myrtaceae) and Pinus elliottii (Pinaceae) in southeastern Brazil. Adult females were present year-round while adult males were only prese