Diversity and ecology of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of the Deosaiplateau, Northern Pakistan

• Published in: Pakistan journal of biological sciences Vol. 7; no. 10
• Main Author: Kok, O.B.,University of the Free State, Bloemfontein (South Africa). Dept.of Zoology and Entomology
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.2004
• Subjects: ANIMAL ECOLOGY; ARACHNIDA; BIODIVERSITY; PHENOLOGY; SPECIES
• ISSN: 1028-8880

Surface-dwelling spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) were collected using pitfalltraps to sample four distinct habitat types on the Deosai Plateau, northernPakistan, during the boreal summer of 1999 (mid-June to mid-October). Trapswith radiating veins significantly increased the catch. A total of 8757 spiderswere collected, representing 23 species from 19 genera and nine families.Numerically, members of the Lycosidae dominated in all habitat types sampled,followed by the Linyphiidae and Gnaphosidae. Members of the lycosid genusPardosa C. L. Koch, 1847 dominated the fauna, collectively accounting for 75.5%of the total spiders collected. Overall, the sex ratio of adult spiders is biasedin favour of males. A conspicuous population peak for the spider communitywas experienced early in summer, followed by a progressive decrease innumbers and dry mass. Spider assemblages differed significantly amongst thefour habitat types distinguished, with some families showing a distinctpreference to habitats relative to the substrate, vegetation composition andinclination of the habitat (e.g. Linyphiidae and Gnaphosidae). Based on theirrelative abundance, arachnids represent a potentially important component inthe overall functioning of the Deosai ecosystem.