The data presented by Hänggi et al. (1995) and Bolaños (2003) on the habitats of a large number of European spiders are examined, most of which appear to show non-specific preferences. The abundance and frequency peaks of the 384 species graphs (HÄNGGI et al. 1995) can be explained by assuming that habitat tolerance varies with geographical location. This can be demonstrated on a local level within a particular country or throughout the European range of a species. Examples are described. Many published ecological studies of spider faunas seem to have assumed that the habitat preferences of a species is a fixed characteristic wherever they occur but evidence is presented to show that this may apply to only a few species. A number of examples are described showing how preferences change with latitude and longitude within Europe. It is proposed that most species can be categorised as stenotopic, mesotopic or eurytopic, although there is a gradual change from one group to another, with no clear boundaries. Supporting evidence for regional variation in habitat tolerance is scarce. More studies are required of individual species throughout their European distribution and detailed descriptions of their habitats in different parts of their range. Definitions of micro-, macro- and minor habitats are presented as useful tools for field studies of spider faunas. It is also recommended that future faunal surveys should use the same system of habitat classification so that the results are comparable with other studies. The most appropriate method is described by BUCHAR & RUŽICKA (2002) but could be made more precise by the use of scientific measuring equipment for light/shade, dryness/humidity and temperature. Finally the importance of checking the validity of some published records is stressed because misidentifications are sometimes frequent.

85 literature sources and 61 spider species have to be added to the "Catalogue of spiders of the north west German Lowland and Schleswig-Holstein", published in 1994. Nine species have to be omitted from the original list. Currently, the total number of spider species in the region is 653, including at least 21 doubtful records. This overall large regional species pool obviously results from the large size of the area included and its landscape diversity with coastal zones as well as lowlands with both anthropogenic and natural habitats of different natural landscapes.

The emerging of an acrocerid fly from an adult female of the wolf spider Pardosa alacris (C.L. Koch, 1833) was observed near Karlsruhe (Baden-Württemberg, Germany). This record supports previous results suggesting that acrocerids infect the spider's body, and not the egg sac. A short review of the life history of acrocerids and the development of their larvae is provided, casting doubt on the infection of spider cocoons by these parasitoids

One specimen of the jumping spider Evarcha jucunda was discovered in the fruit department of a general store in Gießen, Germany. The species has obviously been introduced with transported fruit from mediterranean countries.

book review: Yoshida Hajime (2003): The Spider Family Theridiidae (Arachnida: Araneae) from Japan.

book review: Dmitri V. Logunov & David Penney (eds.) (2004): European Arachnology 2003.

obituary, bibliography, Erwin Tretzel

obituary, bibliography, Ludĕk J. Dobroruka

Spider of the Year 2005

url information

congress report

The paper presents new records of the spider Atypus muralis Bertkau, 1890 in the valleys of the rivers Saale and Unstrut in the south of Saxony-Anhalt in Middle Germany. All specimens were males, caught by pitfall traps in xerothermic steppic grasslands on steep slopes. The geographic distribution of Atypus muralis in the eastern parts of Germany and habitat traits are discussed with special reference to regional climate, vegetation type and soil conditions. The phenology of aboveground activity of Atypus muralis males is shown.

Errata: Drogla, R. & K. Lippold (2004): Arachnol. Mitt. 27/28: 1-54 [doi: 10.5431/aramit2701]

Editorial

Based on the examination of over 23,000 specimens, distribution, frequency/dominance, morphometric data and ecology of the East German false scorpions are presented. Most samples were collected by the authors, the rest are from Museums and other persons. 38 species were recorded. The preferred habitats and strata of the most species are described. Phoresy was observed for Allochernes peregrinus, Lamprochernes chyzeri, L. nodosus and Pselaphochernes scorpioides. Nine species live in ant nests. Zoogeographic aspects of the species assemblage are discussed in the world wide context. Distribution limits of four species run across the area of investigation.

Larinioides sclopetarius is one of very few Central European spiders known to be found in colonies in which the orb-webs are attached to each other. Indiviuals of different generations cooperate at least in web-building, i.e. they share the same framework or irregular "web carpet". This behaviour is called parasocial and up to now it has been studied mainly in subtropical and tropical species. Parasocial (colonial) life can lead to total degeneration of the orb-webs and is the result of increased tolerance, which depends on local superabundance of prey. Initial surveys in Essen (Germany) showed that groups of 60 to 200 individuals do not seem to be exceptional. More detailed studies on the group-living of L. sclopetarius are needed.

The first record of this species outside the Alps is presented from Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The locality, Bad Neuenahr, represents a considerable extension of the known range of a species which has up till now been regarded an endemic of southern Switzerland.