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In winter 2000/01 and in June 2001 branch-beating methods were used for sampling spiders in canopies of spruce (Picea abies) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in SW-Bavaria (Germany). Differences in spider assemblages between the two tree species are discussed with particular emphasis on the dominant species and taxa. For the rare species Theridion boesenbergi Strand, 1904 remarks on their occurrence in Bavaria, Germany and Europe are given. For Cinetata gradata (Simon, 1881) we present an update to the entire known distribution including a new map. For both species new records are specified and discussed concerning habitat preference, phenology and distribution. Both species seem to be obligate tree colonisers, C. gradata primarily in the canopy stratum. Adults of C. gradata are to be found during all months of the year; T. boesenbergi exhibits an abundance peak in June, males are known to occur from May to August and females the whole year round. The distribution of both species is restricted to Europe, excluding the northern and western parts (Arctic and Atlantic climate) and the Mediterranean zone.
The spider fauna active on the bark of trees in forests on eight sites in different regions in Germany was investigated. Trunk eclectors at about 2-4 meters height on living trees were used in different regions of Germany (SW Bavaria, Hesse, Brandenburg) between 1990 and 2003. In Hesse eclectors were also used on dead beech trees (standing and lying). In this study data, mainly from beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies), from May to October are compared – whole year samples (including winter) are only available from Hesse. A total of 334 spider species were recorded with these bark traps, i.e. about one third of the spider species known from Germany. On average, each of the eight regions yielded 140.5 (± 26.2) species, each single tree 40.5 (± 12.2) species and 502 (±452) adult spiders per season (i.e. May to Oct.). The 20 most abundant species are listed and characterised in detail. Six of the 20 species were not known to be abundant on bark, three prefer conifers and three beech/broadleaf. Even in winter (December-March) there was a remarkably high activity on the trunks. However, only a few species occur exclusively or mainly in winter. Finally, the rarity of some bark spider species is discussed and details (all known records in Germany, phenology) of four of them are presented (Clubiona leucaspis, Gongylidiellum edentatum, Kratochviliella bicapitata, Oreonetides quadridentatus). The diversity and importance of the spider fauna on bark in Central Europe is still underestimated.
The genus Araeoncoides Wunderlich, 1969, containing a single species A. berolinensis Wunderlich, 1969, is revised and transferred to the genus Moebelia Dahl, 1886 (nov. syn.). The female is described for the first time. All six known records are reported. Distribution, habitat and phenology are discussed. Until now, records are known exclusively from Germany.
In the course of a long term survey on the effects of grazing on the diversity of alpine grasslands, the false scorpion Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) poeninus Mahnert, 1979 was recorded for the first time outside of Switzerland. The preferred habitat at the locality Alpe Einödsberg (Germany, Bavaria) differs strongly from previous findings. Our data suggest an association with Nardus grasslands (Geo montani-Nardetum), whereas earlier records originated from leaf litter, moss and mouldy trunks. Furthermore, the new records between 1540 m and 1973 m above sea level are the first from the subalpine region of the Alps (hitherto C. poeninus was known from 550 m to 1450 m). In the study region, extensive grazing seems to have a positive effect on the abundance of the species, while it is missing from intensively grazed pastures.