Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 50B(2) 2007

Issue:

VOL 50B(2) 2007

Keywords:

Linyphiidae, Bathyphantes simillimus, density, life cycle, Stołowe Mountains

Download PDF

Share this article:

Life history of Bathyphantes simillimus (Araneae: Linyphiidae) in Stołowe Mountains, Poland

• RYBAK J.

Abstract:

The density, reproduction and life-cycle of Bathyphantes simillimus (L. KOCH 1879) were studied in the Stołowe Mountains (Poland) where this species inhabits deep, sandstone rock crevices. Constant observations indicate that studied species has exceptional triennial life cycle where new individuals join the population in summer, survive the following winter, grow, mature and breed throughout the next year, live through the next winter then breed again and die in the year following their second winter. The prolonged life cycle may be the result of adaptation to cooler environmental conditions.