The jumping spiders Eustiromastix nativo, Psecas sumptuosus, and Uspachus sp. n. (Salticidae) live on terrestrial bromeliads in areas with different phytophysiognomies in southeastern and northeastern Brazil. To understand these spider–plant interactions, we investigated if (1) these spiders were associated specifically with bromeliads, (2) the spiders utilized particular bromeliad species, and (3) plant size and density of bromeliads affected spider distribution. The jumping spiders were not found outside bromeliads, indicating a strict spider–plant association. Eustiromastix and Uspachus occupied bromeliads in open areas, whereas Psecas was found on forest bromeliads. Eustiromastix occurred at a higher frequency on larger bromeliads and in patches with higher bromeliad density. This is one of the few studies to demonstrate specific relationships between jumping spiders and a particular plant type.
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1 December 2004
Spatial Distribution Patterns of Jumping Spiders Associated with Terrestrial Bromeliads
Gustavo Q. Romero,
João Vasconcellos-Neto
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BIOTROPICA
Vol. 36 • No. 4
December 2004
Vol. 36 • No. 4
December 2004
animal–plant interaction
Brazil
Bromeliaceae
Eustiromastix
plant structure
Psecas
Salticidae