A classification method for ascertaining characteristical spider communities of different biotope types is presented. Based on a current list of biotope types all data available from a certain area about the spatial distribution of spiders were fed into a data bank an analysed. A largely standardized method has been developed which allows to classify the spider community of each biotope type. The classification is based on a presence/absence matrix and a comparison between the grades of presence in different biotope types.

Spiders of dry, unfertilized grasslands in the Cantons of Geneva and Vaud (Switzerland) – species lists

First record of Aulonia kratochvili (Araneae, Lycosidae) from Europe

Observations on Troxochrus nasutus (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

A descriptive model of primary succession of spiders on a brown-coal dump is presented. Multivariate methods (cluster analysis and detrended correspondence analysis), and community indexes were applied to evaluate changes in community composition of epigeic spiders. Two different rehabilitation age stages were investigated. The cluster analysis helped to determine a case of horizontal asynchronous succession. The DCA was able to distinguish divergent trends of succession from the initial stage. Successional trends in species replacements were observed. In all aspects of succession there was found to be directional towards a "ruderal steppe" subclimax.

acknowledgement [concerning help for: Noordam AP (ed.): Roberts MJ 1998 Spinnengids. Tirion Natuur Baarn, Netherlands. 397 pp.]

Request for material of Drassodes cupreus/lapidosus

request: registration of unpublished arachnid data (Araneae, Pseudoscorpiones, Opiliones) in the northern Alps, Germany

obituary, bibliography, Ernst Kullmann

The spider communities on gravel bars along streams in lower montainous areas of Northern Hess were investigated. Eight streams differently altered by human impact were studied: four small streams without weirs and impoundments, two regulated small streams and two larger regulated streams. The sampling sites were located in one kilometer streches of the upper, middle and lower reach of each small stream, respectively. In addition the gravel bars in several floodplain sections of larger streams were investigated. Altogether 592 quantitative samples of spiders were made. 7027 spiders (Araneae) comprising 77 species were encountered. Only two species (Oedothorax agrestis, Pirata knorri) make up more than 70 percent of all spiders captured. Erigone atra and Erigone dentipalpis were frequently foung along all streams investigated. While Diplocephalus permixtus and Diplocephalus protuberans were only encountered along the small streams, Oedothorax retusus and Pardosa amentata were predominantly recorded on gravelbars of large streams. Diplocephalus protuberans was recorded for the first time in Hesse. The mean abundances (median) ranged between 4 and 28 individuals/m2. 198 individuals/m2 have been the maximum of abundance.

Data are given concerning stratification, phenology, feeding and mating behaviour of the theridiid spider Dipoena torva (THORELL, 1875). The species was found predominantly at heights of around 10 metres on the stems of oaks and pines in Berlin, Germany. The sex ratio was more or less 1:1. Adult spiders were active during summer whereas juveniles were onliy found before and after the main activity period of adults. This species seems to be active during the daytime. The main food consists of ants. The mating behaviour is described. The occurence of D. torva is a result of certain biotic and abiotic factors such as the abundance of ants, the understorey and structural factors.

book review: Volker Hugenschütt (1997): Bioindikationsanalyse von Uferzonationskomplexen der Spinnen- und Laufkäfergemeinschaften (Arach.: Araneae, Col.: Carabidae) an Fließgewässern im Drachenfelser Ländchen