Evaluation of population densities of the common wolf spider Pardosa agrestis (Araneae: Lycosidae) in Hungarian alfalfa fields using mark-recapture

• DOI: 10.14411/eje.2000.036
• Publication Date: 2014-01-09T21:11:09Z
• Authors: Balázs KISS; Ferenc SAMU
• Keywords: Epigeal; Pitfall trap; Mark and recapture; Population density; Arable land

The absolute population density of adult Pardosa agrestis (Westring, 1862), the dominant epigeic spider species in many arable lands Central Europe, was quantified two alfalfa fields using a multiple mark-recapture method.The resulting es timates are presented together with catch data from simultaneously performed suction sampling and pitfall trapping.Two week long surveys were conducted August 1995 1996 grids 11 x live-catching traps covering square area 400 m2 first, 900 second survey.The trap checking marking procedure, individual codes, done daily.Over 5,000 spiders marked surveys.The number caught varied greatly between days.The re capture rate also variable, ranging 5-19%.Recaptured animals moved considerable daily distances, left trapping grid within few days.Population sizes estimated for 3 day time windows during which period could be considered closed.Spider densities calculated abundances area, consisted plus boundary strip movement ranges spiders.The close to 2 males 1 female per 4.5 females experimental site.Suction very individuals gave unsatisfactory statistical comparison.Live catching catches did not correlate derived estimates across short windows, but entire ses sions consistent estimates.