Mygalomorph spiders of the southern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 7 years ago

ABSTRACT – Nineteen genera belonging to seven families were recorded during a systematic survey of mygalomorph spiders in the southern Carnarvon Basin, a region on the central coast of Western Australia. The study was based on collections of predominantly male specimens collected from pitfall traps. Of the 60 species distinguished, 55 were undescribed. Patterns in the species composition of assemblages conformed with the gradient in wettest quarter precipitation, although localised patterns of endemism were also apparent. Species richness at quadrats exceeded that of many other habitats in Western Australia. Seasonal occurrence of wandering males (phenology) agreed with that known for respective genera in other regions, particularly of the predominantly winter breeding Idiopidae. Unusually large numbers of specimens were collected of some small-bodied nemesiids (over 70 specimens at some quadrats); this indicates an extraordinary population density possibly comparable to patches in some mesophytic forests.

Author(s) Barbara York Main, Alison Sampey and Paul L.J. West
Volume
Supplement 61 : Biodiversity of the southern Carnarvon Basin
Article Published
2000
Page Number
281

DOI
10.18195/issn.0313-122x.61.2000.281-293