Abundance and structure of fossorial spider populations

Abstract

Examined large fossorial spiders, especially mygalomorphs, in two locations in E New South Wales. The abundance of burrowing spiders was assessed in sclerophyll forests on sandstone and shale substrata, pastures, suburban gardens, pine windbreaks along roadside verges, coastal cliffs, and coastal swamps. The spiders included several species of Lycosidae, two Idiopidae and one Hexathelidae. Each species was restricted in its range of habitats and dominated the burrowing spider assemblage in only one or two habitats. The population structure of burrow sizes is described and compared for dense populations. -Author