Diversidade e composição da araneofauna do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT Here we compile a list of spider species recorded in Mato Grosso do Sul state (Brazil), based on information from the taxonomic literature and unpublished inventories. The list includes 228 species in 134 genera and 32 families. Only approximately 35% of the state area have records of spider species, and no more than 5% of the area presents more than one record per 0.5° grid cell (2,916 km2). There are large gaps in the knowledge of the states spider fauna, particularly in the northern Pantanal. Most of the species are known by less than 10 distribution records, indicating that their geographic distribution is virtually unknown. Extrapolating a species accumulation curve, we show that a ten-time increase in sampled area would be necessary to discover 90% of the species occurring in the state. Number of species: in the world, 44,906; in Brazil, 3,730; in Mato Grosso do Sul, 228. Therefore new inventories are essential for an adequate description of the spider fauna of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

RESUMO Nós compilamos uma lista de espécies de aranhas registradas no Mato Grosso do Sul (Brasil) a partir da literatura taxonômica e de inventários não publicados. A lista inclui 228 espécies em 134 gêneros e 32 famílias. Apenas cerca de 35% da área do estado apresenta registros de ocorrência de espécies de aranhas, e não mais que 5% apresenta mais de um registro de ocorrência por quadrícula de 0,5° (2.916 km2). Existem grandes lacunas de amostragem no estado, particularmente na porção norte do Pantanal. A maioria das espécies tem menos de 10 registros de ocorrência, ou seja, sua distribuição geográfica é praticamente desconhecida. Extrapolando a curva de acumulação de espécies dessas aranhas, concluímos que seria necessário ampliar em 10 vezes a área amostrada para que sejam listadas 90% das espécies que ocorrem no estado. Número de espécies: no mundo, 44.906; no Brasil, 3.730; no Mato Grosso do Sul, 228. Portanto, novos inventários são essenciais para que a araneofauna do Mato Grosso do Sul seja minimamente conhecida.

Diversidade e composição da araneofauna do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Diversity and composition of the spider fauna of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Here we compile a list of spider species recorded in Mato Grosso do Sul state (Brazil), based on information from the taxonomic literature and unpublished inventories. The list includes 228 species in 134 genera and 32 families. Only approximately 35% of the state area have records of spider species, and no more than 5% of the area presents more than one record per 0.5° grid cell (2,916 km2). There are large gaps in the knowledge of the states spider fauna, particularly in the northern Pantanal. Most of the species are known by less than 10 distribution records, indicating that their geographic distribution is virtually unknown. Extrapolating a species accumulation curve, we show that a ten-time increase in sampled area would be necessary to discover 90% of the species occurring in the state. Number of species: in the world, 44,906; in Brazil, 3,730; in Mato Grosso do Sul, 228. Therefore new inventories are essential for an adequate description of the spider fauna of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.(AU)

Nós compilamos uma lista de espécies de aranhas registradas no Mato Grosso do Sul (Brasil) a partir da literatura taxonômica e de inventários não publicados. A lista inclui 228 espécies em 134 gêneros e 32 famílias. Apenas cerca de 35% da área do estado apresenta registros de ocorrência de espécies de aranhas, e não mais que 5% apresenta mais de um registro de ocorrência por quadrícula de 0,5° (2.916 km2). Existem grandes lacunas de amostragem no estado, particularmente na porção norte do Pantanal. A maioria das espécies tem menos de 10 registros de ocorrência, ou seja, sua distribuição geográfica é praticamente desconhecida. Extrapolando a curva de acumulação de espécies dessas aranhas, concluímos que seria necessário ampliar em 10 vezes a área amostrada para que sejam listadas 90% das espécies que ocorrem no estado. Número de espécies: no mundo, 44.906; no Brasil, 3.730; no Mato Grosso do Sul, 228. Portanto, novos inventários são essenciais para que a araneofauna do Mato Grosso do Sul seja minimamente conhecida.(AU)

Diversidade e composição da araneofauna do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Diversity and composition of the spider fauna of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Here we compile a list of spider species recorded in Mato Grosso do Sul state (Brazil), based on information from the taxonomic literature and unpublished inventories. The list includes 228 species in 134 genera and 32 families. Only approximately 35% of the state area have records of spider species, and no more than 5% of the area presents more than one record per 0.5° grid cell (2,916 km2). There are large gaps in the knowledge of the states spider fauna, particularly in the northern Pantanal. Most of the species are known by less than 10 distribution records, indicating that their geographic distribution is virtually unknown. Extrapolating a species accumulation curve, we show that a ten-time increase in sampled area would be necessary to discover 90% of the species occurring in the state. Number of species: in the world, 44,906; in Brazil, 3,730; in Mato Grosso do Sul, 228. Therefore new inventories are essential for an adequate description of the spider fauna of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Nós compilamos uma lista de espécies de aranhas registradas no Mato Grosso do Sul (Brasil) a partir da literatura taxonômica e de inventários não publicados. A lista inclui 228 espécies em 134 gêneros e 32 famílias. Apenas cerca de 35% da área do estado apresenta registros de ocorrência de espécies de aranhas, e não mais que 5% apresenta mais de um registro de ocorrência por quadrícula de 0,5° (2.916 km2). Existem grandes lacunas de amostragem no estado, particularmente na porção norte do Pantanal. A maioria das espécies tem menos de 10 registros de ocorrência, ou seja, sua distribuição geográfica é praticamente desconhecida. Extrapolando a curva de acumulação de espécies dessas aranhas, concluímos que seria necessário ampliar em 10 vezes a área amostrada para que sejam listadas 90% das espécies que ocorrem no estado. Número de espécies: no mundo, 44.906; no Brasil, 3.730; no Mato Grosso do Sul, 228. Portanto, novos inventários são essenciais para que a araneofauna do Mato Grosso do Sul seja minimamente conhecida.

Spider species composition in the tree-shrub strata of riparian forests and its microhabitats in southern Brazil

The composition of the spider fauna of riparian forests is insufficiently known. These forests, adjacent to both aquatic and terrestrial environments, are recognised as having important ecosystem functions. We compare the composition of spider assemblages of four riparian forests in different drainage basins, along with their microhabitats (edges and forest interior), in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Sampling was carried out in the riparian forests of the following rivers: Piratini, municipality of Arroio Grande; Camaquã, municipality of Cristal; Sinos, municipality of Parobé, and Maquiné, municipality of Maquiné. Two samples per season were collected in two years, by sampling the tree-shrub strata with a beating tray, following fixed transects. There were six transects per drainage basin, two per microhabitat: grassland edge, forest interior and river edge. Overall, 42,057 spiders were sampled (juveniles: 79%; adults: 21%). Among the adults (8,851 individuals), we identified 440 species. Similarity analyses (ANOSIM) indicated that the araneofauna composition of the four drainage basins differ in their quantitative (Morisita) and qualitative (Simpson) similarity indexes. There were no differences in composition among microhabitats. The composition of the Maquiné River basin was the most distinct, possibly due to a greater influence of the Atlantic forest on it and a greater dominance of the Linyphiidae Sphecozone personata (Simon, 1894) (SIMPER analysis, contribution to dissimilarity: 12.15%). Differences in spider composition on large spatial scales most likely reflect regional variations in a number of environmental factors, and result in each area having in increased importance in terms of conservation.

Spider species composition in the tree-shrub strata of riparian forests and its microhabitats in southern Brazil

The composition of the spider fauna of riparian forests is insufficiently known. These forests, adjacent to both aquatic and terrestrial environments, are recognised as having important ecosystem functions. We compare the composition of spider assemblages of four riparian forests in different drainage basins, along with their microhabitats (edges and forest interior), in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Sampling was carried out in the riparian forests of the following rivers: Piratini, municipality of Arroio Grande; Camaquã, municipality of Cristal; Sinos, municipality of Parobé, and Maquiné, municipality of Maquiné. Two samples per season were collected in two years, by sampling the tree-shrub strata with a beating tray, following fixed transects. There were six transects per drainage basin, two per microhabitat: grassland edge, forest interior and river edge. Overall, 42,057 spiders were sampled (juveniles: 79%; adults: 21%). Among the adults (8,851 individuals), we identified 440 species. Similarity analyses (ANOSIM) indicated that the araneofauna composition of the four drainage basins differ in their quantitative (Morisita) and qualitative (Simpson) similarity indexes. There were no differences in composition among microhabitats. The composition of the Maquiné River basin was the most distinct, possibly due to a greater influence of the Atlantic forest on it and a greater dominance of the Linyphiidae Sphecozone personata (Simon, 1894) (SIMPER analysis, contribution to dissimilarity: 12.15%). Differences in spider composition on large spatial scales most likely reflect regional variations in a number of environmental factors, and result in each area having in increased importance in terms of conservation.(AU)

Diversity, composition and phenology of araneid orb-weavers (Araneae, Araneidae) associated with riparian forests in southern Brazil / Diversidade, composição e fenologia de aranhas construtoras de teias (Araneae, Araneidae) associadas com matas ciliares no sul do Brasil

The Araneidae is a speciose family including web-spinning spiders that are very abundant in various terrestrial ecosystems. Several studies demonstrate that changes in vegetation surrounding rivers, streams and brooks affect the associated araneofauna. The aim of this research was to compare differences found in diversity (abundance and richness), composition and phenology of Araneidae spiders sampled in different habitats in four riparian forest catchments in southern Brazil. Samples were taken from riparian forests in four rivers of Rio Grande do Sul State: Piratini, Camaquã, Sinos and Maquiné rivers, each in a different hydrographic basin. Samples were taken twice seasonally on each basin during two years, sampling the araneofauna of the tree-shrub strata with beating tray. Six transects were employed on each basin, two per habitat: edge with grassland, forest interior and river edge. Araneids totalled 20 genera and 65 species. Comparing riparian forests significant differences are found. Spider abundance differed among riparian forests as well as species richness. Overall, Piratini river riparian forest had the higher abundance and richness for Araneidae; the lower values were in Sinos river forest. The stronger degradation and fragmentation of the riparian forests of Sinos river probably influenced the results, with human disturbance gradients associated negatively to web building. We present data on the diversity of these spiders, which were very abundant in the riparian forest interior and very rich in species in the grassland/riparian forest edge. Species composition also differs among the studied habitats (the above plus river/riparian forest edge). For the most abundant species the phenological pattern across the seasons was also analysed(AU)

Araneidae é uma das famílias com maior número de espécies, incluindo aranhas construtoras de teias que são muito abundantes em diversos ecossistemas terrestres. Vários estudos demonstram que mudanças na vegetação circundante de rios, córregos e riachos pode afetar a araneofauna associada. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar aspectos sobre a diversidade (abundância e riqueza), composição e fenologia de aranhas Araneidae foram amostradas em diferentes habitats em quatro bacias de mata ciliar no sul do Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de matas ciliares em quatro rios do Rio Grande do Sul, todos em diferentes bacias hidrográficas: nos rios Piratini, Camaquã, dos Sinos e Maquiné. As amostras foram realizadas duas vezes por estação em cada bacia, durante dois anos, a amostragem da araneofauna do estrato arbóreo-arbustivo foi realizada com guarda-chuva entomológico. Seis transecções foram empregadas em cada mata ciliar, dois por habitat: borda com campo, interior da floresta e borda do rio. Araneídeos totalizaram 20 gêneros e 65 espécies. Comparando-se as matas ciliares houve diferenças significativas. A abundância de aranhas diferiu entre as matas ciliares, bem como a riqueza de espécies. No geral, a mata ciliar do rio Piratini teve a maior abundância e riqueza para Araneidae; os menores valores foram no rio dos Sinos. A degradação e fragmentação da mata ciliar do rio dos Sinos, provavelmente influenciaram nos resultados, a partir da perturbação humana agindo de forma negativa nas aranhas da família Araneidae. Apresentamos dados sobre a diversidade destas aranhas, que foram muito abundantes no interior da mata ciliar e muito ricas em espécies na borda da mata com o campo. A composição de espécies também difere entre os habitats estudados. Para as espécies mais abundantes, o padrão fenológico em todas as estações do ano também foi analisado(AU)

Diversity, composition and phenology of araneid orb-weavers (Araneae, Araneidae) associated with riparian forests in southern Brazil / Diversidade, composição e fenologia de aranhas construtoras de teias (Araneae, Araneidae) associadas com matas ciliares no sul do Brasil

The Araneidae is a speciose family including web-spinning spiders that are very abundant in various terrestrial ecosystems. Several studies demonstrate that changes in vegetation surrounding rivers, streams and brooks affect the associated araneofauna. The aim of this research was to compare differences found in diversity (abundance and richness), composition and phenology of Araneidae spiders sampled in different habitats in four riparian forest catchments in southern Brazil. Samples were taken from riparian forests in four rivers of Rio Grande do Sul State: Piratini, Camaquã, Sinos and Maquiné rivers, each in a different hydrographic basin. Samples were taken twice seasonally on each basin during two years, sampling the araneofauna of the tree-shrub strata with beating tray. Six transects were employed on each basin, two per habitat: edge with grassland, forest interior and river edge. Araneids totalled 20 genera and 65 species. Comparing riparian forests significant differences are found. Spider abundance differed among riparian forests as well as species richness. Overall, Piratini river riparian forest had the higher abundance and richness for Araneidae; the lower values were in Sinos river forest. The stronger degradation and fragmentation of the riparian forests of Sinos river probably influenced the results, with human disturbance gradients associated negatively to web building. We present data on the diversity of these spiders, which were very abundant in the riparian forest interior and very rich in species in the grassland/riparian forest edge. Species composition also differs among the studied habitats (the above plus river/riparian forest edge). For the most abundant species the phenological pattern across the seasons was also analysed

Araneidae é uma das famílias com maior número de espécies, incluindo aranhas construtoras de teias que são muito abundantes em diversos ecossistemas terrestres. Vários estudos demonstram que mudanças na vegetação circundante de rios, córregos e riachos pode afetar a araneofauna associada. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar aspectos sobre a diversidade (abundância e riqueza), composição e fenologia de aranhas Araneidae foram amostradas em diferentes habitats em quatro bacias de mata ciliar no sul do Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de matas ciliares em quatro rios do Rio Grande do Sul, todos em diferentes bacias hidrográficas: nos rios Piratini, Camaquã, dos Sinos e Maquiné. As amostras foram realizadas duas vezes por estação em cada bacia, durante dois anos, a amostragem da araneofauna do estrato arbóreo-arbustivo foi realizada com guarda-chuva entomológico. Seis transecções foram empregadas em cada mata ciliar, dois por habitat: borda com campo, interior da floresta e borda do rio. Araneídeos totalizaram 20 gêneros e 65 espécies. Comparando-se as matas ciliares houve diferenças significativas. A abundância de aranhas diferiu entre as matas ciliares, bem como a riqueza de espécies. No geral, a mata ciliar do rio Piratini teve a maior abundância e riqueza para Araneidae; os menores valores foram no rio dos Sinos. A degradação e fragmentação da mata ciliar do rio dos Sinos, provavelmente influenciaram nos resultados, a partir da perturbação humana agindo de forma negativa nas aranhas da família Araneidae. Apresentamos dados sobre a diversidade destas aranhas, que foram muito abundantes no interior da mata ciliar e muito ricas em espécies na borda da mata com o campo. A composição de espécies também difere entre os habitats estudados. Para as espécies mais abundantes, o padrão fenológico em todas as estações do ano também foi analisado

Effect of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin on rice spider populations in southern Brazil

The adverse effect that insecticides have on spider populations is of major concern since these predators are a component in the biological control of rice insect pest populations. This study was designed to determine the effect of the pyrethroid insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin, on spider populations in rice fields. Treatments consisted of plots treated once with the insecticide and untreated plots (control). Spiders were sampled four times per crop year over a two year period in each of three sites in the state of Rio Grande dol Sul, Brazil. Treatments were replicated four times. Sweep net sampling was conducted to sample the araneofauna. Overall 1,961 spiders were collected, with a predominance of juveniles over adults. Between treatments, there were significantly larger numbers of spiders and species richness in areas without insecticide. There were also significant differences among areas (sites) and among days after the insecticide application. Of the 12 recorded families, Araneidae and Tetragnathidae dominated, and were both strongly affected by insecticide application, decreasing more than 50% in those locations. Overall, 37 species were recorded (insecticide: 29; without: 26), eleven species were exclusive for rice without insecticide and eight for rice with insecticide. Alpaida veniliae (Keyserling, 1865) (n = 236) and Tetragnathaaff.jaculator (108) were the most abundant in both treatments, but with large decreases in abundance in rice with insecticide. Among guilds, the predominance was for orb weavers (67.3%) in all locations, but with much lower values for those spiders in rice with insecticide application. This study illustrates that the spider fauna in rice fields are adversely affected by the application of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin.

Effect of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin on rice spider populations in southern Brazil

The adverse effect that insecticides have on spider populations is of major concern since these predators are a component in the biological control of rice insect pest populations. This study was designed to determine the effect of the pyrethroid insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin, on spider populations in rice fields. Treatments consisted of plots treated once with the insecticide and untreated plots (control). Spiders were sampled four times per crop year over a two year period in each of three sites in the state of Rio Grande dol Sul, Brazil. Treatments were replicated four times. Sweep net sampling was conducted to sample the araneofauna. Overall 1,961 spiders were collected, with a predominance of juveniles over adults. Between treatments, there were significantly larger numbers of spiders and species richness in areas without insecticide. There were also significant differences among areas (sites) and among days after the insecticide application. Of the 12 recorded families, Araneidae and Tetragnathidae dominated, and were both strongly affected by insecticide application, decreasing more than 50% in those locations. Overall, 37 species were recorded (insecticide: 29; without: 26), eleven species were exclusive for rice without insecticide and eight for rice with insecticide. Alpaida veniliae (Keyserling, 1865) (n = 236) and Tetragnathaaff.jaculator (108) were the most abundant in both treatments, but with large decreases in abundance in rice with insecticide. Among guilds, the predominance was for orb weavers (67.3%) in all locations, but with much lower values for those spiders in rice with insecticide application. This study illustrates that the spider fauna in rice fields are adversely affected by the application of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin.

Effect of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin on rice spider populations in southern Brazil

The adverse effect that insecticides have on spider populations is of major concern since these predators are a component in the biological control of rice insect pest populations. This study was designed to determine the effect of the pyrethroid insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin, on spider populations in rice fields. Treatments consisted of plots treated once with the insecticide and untreated plots (control). Spiders were sampled four times per crop year over a two year period in each of three sites in the state of Rio Grande dol Sul, Brazil. Treatments were replicated four times. Sweep net sampling was conducted to sample the araneofauna. Overall 1,961 spiders were collected, with a predominance of juveniles over adults. Between treatments, there were significantly larger numbers of spiders and species richness in areas without insecticide. There were also significant differences among areas (sites) and among days after the insecticide application. Of the 12 recorded families, Araneidae and Tetragnathidae dominated, and were both strongly affected by insecticide application, decreasing more than 50% in those locations. Overall, 37 species were recorded (insecticide: 29; without: 26), eleven species were exclusive for rice without insecticide and eight for rice with insecticide. Alpaida veniliae (Keyserling, 1865) (n = 236) and Tetragnathaaff.jaculator (108) were the most abundant in both treatments, but with large decreases in abundance in rice with insecticide. Among guilds, the predominance was for orb weavers (67.3%) in all locations, but with much lower values for those spiders in rice with insecticide application. This study illustrates that the spider fauna in rice fields are adversely affected by the application of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin.

Effect of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin on rice spider populations in southern Brazil

The adverse effect that insecticides have on spider populations is of major concern since these predators are a component in the biological control of rice insect pest populations. This study was designed to determine the effect of the pyrethroid insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin, on spider populations in rice fields. Treatments consisted of plots treated once with the insecticide and untreated plots (control). Spiders were sampled four times per crop year over a two year period in each of three sites in the state of Rio Grande dol Sul, Brazil. Treatments were replicated four times. Sweep net sampling was conducted to sample the araneofauna. Overall 1,961 spiders were collected, with a predominance of juveniles over adults. Between treatments, there were significantly larger numbers of spiders and species richness in areas without insecticide. There were also significant differences among areas (sites) and among days after the insecticide application. Of the 12 recorded families, Araneidae and Tetragnathidae dominated, and were both strongly affected by insecticide application, decreasing more than 50% in those locations. Overall, 37 species were recorded (insecticide: 29; without: 26), eleven species were exclusive for rice without insecticide and eight for rice with insecticide. Alpaida veniliae (Keyserling, 1865) (n = 236) and Tetragnathaaff.jaculator (108) were the most abundant in both treatments, but with large decreases in abundance in rice with insecticide. Among guilds, the predominance was for orb weavers (67.3%) in all locations, but with much lower values for those spiders in rice with insecticide application. This study illustrates that the spider fauna in rice fields are adversely affected by the application of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin.

Effect of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin on rice spider populations in southern Brazil

The adverse effect that insecticides have on spider populations is of major concern since these predators are a component in the biological control of rice insect pest populations. This study was designed to determine the effect of the pyrethroid insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin, on spider populations in rice fields. Treatments consisted of plots treated once with the insecticide and untreated plots (control). Spiders were sampled four times per crop year over a two year period in each of three sites in the state of Rio Grande dol Sul, Brazil. Treatments were replicated four times. Sweep net sampling was conducted to sample the araneofauna. Overall 1,961 spiders were collected, with a predominance of juveniles over adults. Between treatments, there were significantly larger numbers of spiders and species richness in areas without insecticide. There were also significant differences among areas (sites) and among days after the insecticide application. Of the 12 recorded families, Araneidae and Tetragnathidae dominated, and were both strongly affected by insecticide application, decreasing more than 50% in those locations. Overall, 37 species were recorded (insecticide: 29; without: 26), eleven species were exclusive for rice without insecticide and eight for rice with insecticide. Alpaida veniliae (Keyserling, 1865) (n = 236) and Tetragnathaaff.jaculator (108) were the most abundant in both treatments, but with large decreases in abundance in rice with insecticide. Among guilds, the predominance was for orb weavers (67.3%) in all locations, but with much lower values for those spiders in rice with insecticide application. This study illustrates that the spider fauna in rice fields are adversely affected by the application of the insecticide Lambda-cyhalothrin.

Fauna de aranhas (Arachnida, Araneae) em diferentes estágios do cultivo do arroz irrigado em Cachoeirinha, RS, Brasil

The spider diversity associated to a rice field was surveyed along different stages of the culture. The studied area belongs to the Estação Experimental do Arroz (EEA), Instituto Rio Grandense do Arroz (IRGA), Cachoeirinha, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (50º58'21"W; 29º55'30"S). Between October 2004 and June 2005, 17 samples were taken, distributed in three periods: before seeding, during the development of the rice plants and after the harvest. Samples were done in the morning using sweeping nets (35 cm diameter), 50 sweeps in each of four randomly chosen transects. A total of 918 spiders were sampled, distributed in 14 families, mostly Araneidae, Anyphaenidae, Oxyopidae and Tetragnathidae. Among the adults, 38 morphospecies were found, the most abundant were Alpaida veniliae (Keyserling, 1865), Tetragnatha nitens (Audouin, 1826), Ashtabula sp.1 and Tetragnatha aff. jaculator, the four together comprising more than 45% of the adult specimens. Of the species richness estimators used, Chao 1 was closer to the observed richness; 87,4% of the potentially present species were effectively sampled. Both abundance and species richness showed an increasing trend, accompanying rice development (and thus increasing habitat complexity), with a stern decrease after harvesting. A constant colonization of the habitat is thus postulated, also given the high number of young spiders found at all times. There were no significant correlations between climatic factors (temperature and rainfall) and neither abundance nor species richness, except a positive one between rainfall and richness. Among the functional groups, ambushing hunters dominated, followed by orb-web builders. An analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) found significant differences among the fauna of the three evaluated periods. Thus, system disturbance, in the form of rice sowing and harvesting, brutally altering environmental structure, leads to strong spider diversity changes both in terms of species richness and species composition. The results suggest biodiversity studies in agroecosystems can help us understand not only applied but also basic problems.

Com a intenção de conhecer a diversidade da araneofauna relacionada à cultura do arroz, foi realizado um inventário deste agroecossistema ainda pouco estudado em sua biodiversidade. Foram realizadas 17 amostragens na Estação Experimental do Arroz (EEA), do Instituto Rio Grandense do Arroz (IRGA), Cachoeirinha, RS (50º58'21"W; 29º55'30"S) entre outubro de 2004 e junho de 2005, em três períodos: antes do arroz ser semeado, durante o desenvolvimento do arroz e após a colheita. As coletas foram efetuadas no período matinal utilizando rede-de-varredura (35 cm de diâmetro), 50 golpes em cada um dos quatro transectos por amostragem. Coletou-se um total de 918 aranhas distribuídas em 14 famílias, com predomínio de Araneidae, Anyphaenidae, Oxyopidae e Tetragnathidae. Entre os indivíduos adultos, foram determinadas 38 morfoespécies, as mais abundantes Alpaida veniliae (Keyserling, 1865), Tetragnatha nitens (Audouin, 1826), Ashtabula sp.1 e Tetragnatha aff. jaculator, as quatro juntas com mais de 45% dos espécimes adultos coletados. Dos estimadores de riqueza de espécies utilizados, o que mais se aproximou da riqueza observada foi Chao 1; segundo este, 87,4% das espécies potencialmente presentes foram amostradas. Os resultados demonstraram que tanto abundância como riqueza tiveram a tendência ao crescimento, acompanhando o desenvolvimento da lavoura de arroz. Uma constante colonização no hábitat foi constatada dado o alto número de aranhas jovens encontradas em todos os períodos. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para a correlação entre dados abióticos (temperatura e pluviosidade) com a abundância e a riqueza, exceto pluviosidade vs. riqueza. Entre os grupos funcionais, houve o predomínio das caçadoras emboscadoras, seguido das construtoras de teias orbiculares. A análise de similaridade (ANOSIM) encontrou diferenças significativas entre a fauna dos três períodos avaliados. Assim, a perturbação na forma como o arroz é semeado e colhido altera a estrutura ambiental brutalmente, conduzindo a uma mudança na diversidade de aranhas em termos de riqueza e composição de espécies. Os resultados sugerem a importância de estudos da biodiversidade nos agroecossistemas.

Fauna de aranhas (Arachnida, Araneae) em diferentes estágios do cultivo do arroz irrigado em Cachoeirinha, RS, Brasil

The spider diversity associated to a rice field was surveyed along different stages of the culture. The studied area belongs to the Estação Experimental do Arroz (EEA), Instituto Rio Grandense do Arroz (IRGA), Cachoeirinha, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (50º58'21"W; 29º55'30"S). Between October 2004 and June 2005, 17 samples were taken, distributed in three periods: before seeding, during the development of the rice plants and after the harvest. Samples were done in the morning using sweeping nets (35 cm diameter), 50 sweeps in each of four randomly chosen transects. A total of 918 spiders were sampled, distributed in 14 families, mostly Araneidae, Anyphaenidae, Oxyopidae and Tetragnathidae. Among the adults, 38 morphospecies were found, the most abundant were Alpaida veniliae (Keyserling, 1865), Tetragnatha nitens (Audouin, 1826), Ashtabula sp.1 and Tetragnatha aff. jaculator, the four together comprising more than 45% of the adult specimens. Of the species richness estimators used, Chao 1 was closer to the observed richness; 87,4% of the potentially present species were effectively sampled. Both abundance and species richness showed an increasing trend, accompanying rice development (and thus increasing habitat complexity), with a stern decrease after harvesting. A constant colonization of the habitat is thus postulated, also given the high number of young spiders found at all times. There were no significant correlations between climatic factors (temperature and rainfall) and neither abundance nor species richness, except a positive one between rainfall and richness. Among the functional groups, ambushing hunters dominated, followed by orb-web builders. An analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) found significant differences among the fauna of the three evaluated periods. Thus, system disturbance, in the form of rice sowing and harvesting, brutally altering environmental structure, leads to strong spider diversity changes both in terms of species richness and species composition. The results suggest biodiversity studies in agroecosystems can help us understand not only applied but also basic problems.

Com a intenção de conhecer a diversidade da araneofauna relacionada à cultura do arroz, foi realizado um inventário deste agroecossistema ainda pouco estudado em sua biodiversidade. Foram realizadas 17 amostragens na Estação Experimental do Arroz (EEA), do Instituto Rio Grandense do Arroz (IRGA), Cachoeirinha, RS (50º58'21"W; 29º55'30"S) entre outubro de 2004 e junho de 2005, em três períodos: antes do arroz ser semeado, durante o desenvolvimento do arroz e após a colheita. As coletas foram efetuadas no período matinal utilizando rede-de-varredura (35 cm de diâmetro), 50 golpes em cada um dos quatro transectos por amostragem. Coletou-se um total de 918 aranhas distribuídas em 14 famílias, com predomínio de Araneidae, Anyphaenidae, Oxyopidae e Tetragnathidae. Entre os indivíduos adultos, foram determinadas 38 morfoespécies, as mais abundantes Alpaida veniliae (Keyserling, 1865), Tetragnatha nitens (Audouin, 1826), Ashtabula sp.1 e Tetragnatha aff. jaculator, as quatro juntas com mais de 45% dos espécimes adultos coletados. Dos estimadores de riqueza de espécies utilizados, o que mais se aproximou da riqueza observada foi Chao 1; segundo este, 87,4% das espécies potencialmente presentes foram amostradas. Os resultados demonstraram que tanto abundância como riqueza tiveram a tendência ao crescimento, acompanhando o desenvolvimento da lavoura de arroz. Uma constante colonização no hábitat foi constatada dado o alto número de aranhas jovens encontradas em todos os períodos. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para a correlação entre dados abióticos (temperatura e pluviosidade) com a abundância e a riqueza, exceto pluviosidade vs. riqueza. Entre os grupos funcionais, houve o predomínio das caçadoras emboscadoras, seguido das construtoras de teias orbiculares. A análise de similaridade (ANOSIM) encontrou diferenças significativas entre a fauna dos três períodos avaliados. Assim, a perturbação na forma como o arroz é semeado e colhido altera a estrutura ambiental brutalmente, conduzindo a uma mudança na diversidade de aranhas em termos de riqueza e composição de espécies. Os resultados sugerem a importância de estudos da biodiversidade nos agroecossistemas.

Araneofauna de pomares de laranja Valência nos Vales do Caí e Taquari, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Assemblages of spiders of the herbaceous vegetation were sampled by sweeping method in two sweet orange orchards (Citrus sinensis) in the south of Brazil. Each sampled orchard is characterized by receiving a different handling type: "traditional" or "ecological". In addition it was sampled the assemblage of spiders of the orange trees of the orchard with the "ecological" handling with the beating method. A total of 3,876 spiders were collected, 2,379 in the orange trees and 1,497 in the herbaceous vegetation; 17 families and 99 species were registered; Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845 (Oxyopidae) was the most abundant spider in herbaceous vegetation and Sphecozone cristata Millidge, 1991 (Linyphiidae) the most abundant in the orange trees. Cursorial spiders were the most abundant guild at both herbaceous vegetation and orange trees. The araneofauna of herbaceous vegetation in the different handling orchards did not present significant differences in diversity (H'= 2.13 "ecological"; 2.24 "traditional"); the diversity was smaller in the orange trees (H'=1.95). Perhaps because of different sampling methods at different microhabitats, the Jaccard's Index indicates low similarity between assemblages (17.5%).

Assembléias de aranhas da vegetação herbácea foram amostradas com rede-de-varredura em dois pomares de laranja doce (Citrus sinensis) no sul do Brasil. Cada pomar amostrado é caracterizado por receber um diferente tipo de manejo: "tradicional" ou "ecológico". Adicionalmente, foi amostrada a assembléia de aranhas das laranjeiras do pomar com manejo "ecológico" através do uso de guarda-chuva japonês. No total foram coletadas 3.876 aranhas, 2.379 nas laranjeiras do pomar de manejo "ecológico" e 1.497 junto à vegetação herbácea de ambos pomares; foram registradas 99 espécies de 17 famílias de aranhas; Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845 (Oxyopidae) foi a aranha mais abundante na vegetação herbácea e Sphecozone cristata Millidge, 1991 (Linyphiidae) a mais abundante nas laranjeiras. Aranhas errantes foram mais abundantes em ambos tipos de vegetação. A araneofauna da vegetação herbácea nos pomares com diferentes manejos não apresentou diferenças significativas na diversidade (H'= 2,13 - "ecológico"; 2,24 - "tradicional"); a diversidade foi menor nas laranjeiras (H'=1,95). Em razão de terem sido utilizados diferentes métodos de coleta nas amostragens entre os microhabitats, o índice de Jaccard (17,5%) indicou baixa similaridade entre as assembléias.

Araneofauna de pomares de laranja Valência nos Vales do Caí e Taquari, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Assemblages of spiders of the herbaceous vegetation were sampled by sweeping method in two sweet orange orchards (Citrus sinensis) in the south of Brazil. Each sampled orchard is characterized by receiving a different handling type: "traditional" or "ecological". In addition it was sampled the assemblage of spiders of the orange trees of the orchard with the "ecological" handling with the beating method. A total of 3,876 spiders were collected, 2,379 in the orange trees and 1,497 in the herbaceous vegetation; 17 families and 99 species were registered; Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845 (Oxyopidae) was the most abundant spider in herbaceous vegetation and Sphecozone cristata Millidge, 1991 (Linyphiidae) the most abundant in the orange trees. Cursorial spiders were the most abundant guild at both herbaceous vegetation and orange trees. The araneofauna of herbaceous vegetation in the different handling orchards did not present significant differences in diversity (H'= 2.13 "ecological"; 2.24 "traditional"); the diversity was smaller in the orange trees (H'=1.95). Perhaps because of different sampling methods at different microhabitats, the Jaccard's Index indicates low similarity between assemblages (17.5%).

Assembléias de aranhas da vegetação herbácea foram amostradas com rede-de-varredura em dois pomares de laranja doce (Citrus sinensis) no sul do Brasil. Cada pomar amostrado é caracterizado por receber um diferente tipo de manejo: "tradicional" ou "ecológico". Adicionalmente, foi amostrada a assembléia de aranhas das laranjeiras do pomar com manejo "ecológico" através do uso de guarda-chuva japonês. No total foram coletadas 3.876 aranhas, 2.379 nas laranjeiras do pomar de manejo "ecológico" e 1.497 junto à vegetação herbácea de ambos pomares; foram registradas 99 espécies de 17 famílias de aranhas; Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845 (Oxyopidae) foi a aranha mais abundante na vegetação herbácea e Sphecozone cristata Millidge, 1991 (Linyphiidae) a mais abundante nas laranjeiras. Aranhas errantes foram mais abundantes em ambos tipos de vegetação. A araneofauna da vegetação herbácea nos pomares com diferentes manejos não apresentou diferenças significativas na diversidade (H'= 2,13 - "ecológico"; 2,24 - "tradicional"); a diversidade foi menor nas laranjeiras (H'=1,95). Em razão de terem sido utilizados diferentes métodos de coleta nas amostragens entre os microhabitats, o índice de Jaccard (17,5%) indicou baixa similaridade entre as assembléias.

Trap and soil monolith sampled edaphic spiders (arachnida: araneae) in Araucaria angustifolia forest

Forests with Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze trees are endangered in Brazil, and information on the diversity of soil spider families associated to these environments is practically inexistent. The present study was set up to evaluate the abundance and diversity of soil spider families in natural and reforested Araucaria forests, impacted or not by fire, and to identify the most efficient method to collect these organisms. The study was conducted in four areas: native forest with predominance of Araucaria (NF); Araucaria reforestation (R); Araucaria reforestation submitted to an accidental fire (RF); and native grass pasture with native Araucaria and submitted to an intense accidental fire (NPF). Considering both sampling methods (Monolith and Pitfall traps), 20 spider families were identified. The pitfall trap method was more effective as it captured 19 out of the 20 recorded families, while the Monolith method extracted only ten spider families. Spider family abundance and Shannon's diversity index (H) were affected by the employed collection method; the values for these attributes were always higher for the NF and lower for the NPF. Correspondence analysis (CA) showed a spatial separation among spider familiy assemblages from the different studied areas. It is suggested that changes in the abundance of soil spider families in Araucaria forests are mainly caused by recurrent human intervention over the last few years.

As florestas com Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze estão ameaçadas de extinção no Brasil, e são praticamente inexistentes as informações sobre a diversidade de famílias de aranhas de solo associadas nestes ambientes. O estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar, em florestas com araucária naturais e reflorestadas, impactadas ou não pela queima acidental, a abundância e diversidade de famílias de aranhas, além de identificar o método mais eficiente para coletar estes organismos. O estudo foi conduzido em quatro áreas: floresta nativa com predominância de araucária (NF); reflorestamento de araucária (R); reflorestamento de araucária submetido a incêndio acidental (RF); e pastagem natural com araucárias nativas e ocorrência de incêndio acidental (NPF). Considerando os dois métodos de amostragem (Monólito e armadilhas de solo), foram identificadas 20 famílias de aranhas associadas às áreas. O método das armadilhas de solo foi mais eficiente, capturando 19 das 20 famílias registradas, enquanto o do Monólito extraiu apenas dez destas famílias de aranhas. A abundância de famílias de aranhas e o índice de diversidade de Shannon (H) foram afetados pelo método de coleta utilizado, sendo os valores destes atributos sempre superiores na NF e inferiores na NPF. A análise de correspondência (AC) demonstrou que existe separação espacial entre as áreas estudadas. Sugere-se que as modificações na abundância de famílias de aranhas de solo sejam provocadas principalmente pelas intervenções antrópicas que as florestas de araucária vêm sofrendo nos últimos anos.

Trap and soil monolith sampled edaphic spiders (arachnida: araneae) in Araucaria angustifolia forest

Forests with Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze trees are endangered in Brazil, and information on the diversity of soil spider families associated to these environments is practically inexistent. The present study was set up to evaluate the abundance and diversity of soil spider families in natural and reforested Araucaria forests, impacted or not by fire, and to identify the most efficient method to collect these organisms. The study was conducted in four areas: native forest with predominance of Araucaria (NF); Araucaria reforestation (R); Araucaria reforestation submitted to an accidental fire (RF); and native grass pasture with native Araucaria and submitted to an intense accidental fire (NPF). Considering both sampling methods (Monolith and Pitfall traps), 20 spider families were identified. The pitfall trap method was more effective as it captured 19 out of the 20 recorded families, while the Monolith method extracted only ten spider families. Spider family abundance and Shannon's diversity index (H) were affected by the employed collection method; the values for these attributes were always higher for the NF and lower for the NPF. Correspondence analysis (CA) showed a spatial separation among spider familiy assemblages from the different studied areas. It is suggested that changes in the abundance of soil spider families in Araucaria forests are mainly caused by recurrent human intervention over the last few years.

As florestas com Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze estão ameaçadas de extinção no Brasil, e são praticamente inexistentes as informações sobre a diversidade de famílias de aranhas de solo associadas nestes ambientes. O estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar, em florestas com araucária naturais e reflorestadas, impactadas ou não pela queima acidental, a abundância e diversidade de famílias de aranhas, além de identificar o método mais eficiente para coletar estes organismos. O estudo foi conduzido em quatro áreas: floresta nativa com predominância de araucária (NF); reflorestamento de araucária (R); reflorestamento de araucária submetido a incêndio acidental (RF); e pastagem natural com araucárias nativas e ocorrência de incêndio acidental (NPF). Considerando os dois métodos de amostragem (Monólito e armadilhas de solo), foram identificadas 20 famílias de aranhas associadas às áreas. O método das armadilhas de solo foi mais eficiente, capturando 19 das 20 famílias registradas, enquanto o do Monólito extraiu apenas dez destas famílias de aranhas. A abundância de famílias de aranhas e o índice de diversidade de Shannon (H) foram afetados pelo método de coleta utilizado, sendo os valores destes atributos sempre superiores na NF e inferiores na NPF. A análise de correspondência (AC) demonstrou que existe separação espacial entre as áreas estudadas. Sugere-se que as modificações na abundância de famílias de aranhas de solo sejam provocadas principalmente pelas intervenções antrópicas que as florestas de araucária vêm sofrendo nos últimos anos.

Efeito do forrageamento de Eciton Burchelli (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) sobre a Araneofauna de liteira em uma floresta tropical de terra firme na Amazônia Central

We investigated the impact of swarm-hunting army ants of the species Eciton burchelli on the ground spider assemblage in an Amazonian "terra firme" rain forest. Spiders were collected from 20 quadrat litter samples taken in front of 7 hunting swarms and 20 samples taken in the same areas after army ants had passed, and were identified to genus or species level. Observed significant effects on the abundance of several spider groups are discussed on the base of the prey-spider spectrum of the ants, known from a study in the same forest. We discuss several difficulties and chances of misinterpretation of the results, due to the high natural variability of arthropod abundance in the habitat and the restriction of the method under the conditions of the field study.

Investigamos o efeito do forrageamento de formigas de correição da espécie Eciton burchelli, a qual caça em forma de enxame, sobre a comunidade de aranhas de liteira em uma floresta tropical de terra firme na Amazônia Central. O método usado foi a amostragem de aranhas por triagem manual de liteira, coletando-se 20 quadrados na frente de 7 enxames de caça das formigas e 20 quadrados logo após a passagem das formigas. As aranhas foram identificadas ao nível de gênero ou espécie e efeitos significativos foram avaliados levando-se em conta o espectro de aranhas-presa destas formigas, conhecido por um estudo na mesma área. Discutem-se as dificuldades e possíveis erros na avaliação do efeito das formigas sobre artrópodos causados pela variância natural de abundâncias e pela restrição da metodologia sob as circunstâncias estudadas.

Efeito do forrageamento de Eciton Burchelli (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) sobre a Araneofauna de liteira em uma floresta tropical de terra firme na Amazônia Central

We investigated the impact of swarm-hunting army ants of the species Eciton burchelli on the ground spider assemblage in an Amazonian "terra firme" rain forest. Spiders were collected from 20 quadrat litter samples taken in front of 7 hunting swarms and 20 samples taken in the same areas after army ants had passed, and were identified to genus or species level. Observed significant effects on the abundance of several spider groups are discussed on the base of the prey-spider spectrum of the ants, known from a study in the same forest. We discuss several difficulties and chances of misinterpretation of the results, due to the high natural variability of arthropod abundance in the habitat and the restriction of the method under the conditions of the field study.

Investigamos o efeito do forrageamento de formigas de correição da espécie Eciton burchelli, a qual caça em forma de enxame, sobre a comunidade de aranhas de liteira em uma floresta tropical de terra firme na Amazônia Central. O método usado foi a amostragem de aranhas por triagem manual de liteira, coletando-se 20 quadrados na frente de 7 enxames de caça das formigas e 20 quadrados logo após a passagem das formigas. As aranhas foram identificadas ao nível de gênero ou espécie e efeitos significativos foram avaliados levando-se em conta o espectro de aranhas-presa destas formigas, conhecido por um estudo na mesma área. Discutem-se as dificuldades e possíveis erros na avaliação do efeito das formigas sobre artrópodos causados pela variância natural de abundâncias e pela restrição da metodologia sob as circunstâncias estudadas.