Biodiversity Data Journal :
Species Conservation Profiles
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Corresponding author: Vasco Veiga Branco (bio.vbranco@gmail.com)
Academic editor: Pavel Stoev
Received: 21 Aug 2019 | Accepted: 18 Sep 2019 | Published: 08 Oct 2019
© 2019 Vasco Branco, Sergio Henriques, Carla Rego, Pedro Cardoso
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Branco VV, Henriques S, Rego C, Cardoso P (2019) Species conservation profiles of spiders (Araneae) endemic to mainland Portugal. Biodiversity Data Journal 7: e39315. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.7.e39315
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The Iberian Peninsula is a diverse region that contains several different bioclimatic areas within one confined space, leading to high biodiversity. Portugal distinguishes itself in this regard by having a high count of spider species (829) and a remarkable number of endemic spider species (42) for its size (approximately 88,890 km2). However, only one non-endemic species (Macrothele calpeiana) is currently protected by the Natura 2000 network and no endemic spider species (aside from Anapistula ataecina) has been assessed according to the IUCN Red List criteria. The objective of this paper is to assess all non-assessed endemic species (41) as well as M. calpeiana.
The 43 assessed species belong to 15 families, the richest being Zodariidae, Dysderidae, Linyphiidae and Gnaphosidae. In general and despite the lack of information on more than half the species, general patterns and trends could be found.
Only 18 species (including M. calpeiana and A. ataecina) had enough data to allow their EOO (extent of occurrence) and AOO (area of occurrence) to be quantified. Of these, we modelled the distribution of 14 epigean species, eight of which were found to be widespread. The remaining six fulfilled at least one of the criteria for threatened species. Four species are troglobiont, all of which meet the EOO and AOO thresholds for threatened species. The remaining 25 Portuguese endemics had no reliable information on their range. Only nine species out of the 43 are estimated to be in decline and 11 are stable, with the majority of species having no information on trends (23 species).
Forest areas, sand dunes, shrublands and caves host the majority of species. As such, the threats to Portuguese endemics reflect the diversity of habitats they occupy. Urbanisation and climate change seem to be the most important threats to these species, although other factors are also important and represented across the data.
A considerable proportion of the currently known Portuguese endemic species can be found in national protected areas, with higher prominence to the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros, Douro Internacional, Vale do Guadiana, Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina and Arrábida Natural Parks. These correspond mostly to areas that have been particularly well sampled during the last two decades.
Arachnida, Arthropoda, Species distribution modelling, extinction risk, IUCN, Red List, Iberian Peninsula
Portugal is a small country with a large coastal area that occupies the majority of the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula and is separated into two biogeographic regions, Mediterranean and Atlantic (
Despite ongoing disturbances, many of Portugal's natural characteristics still contribute towards a rich, unique fauna, spiders included (Arachnida: Araneae). The latest data show that 1488 spider species are known to occur in the Iberian Peninsula, of which 825 of them are present in mainland Portugal, 42 of those considered endemic to the country (
Portugal's duality as both highly speciose and highly under pressure along most of its territory makes it imperative to conduct studies that bridge both the gaps in our knowledge of spiders, as well as those between researchers and decision-makers. Both are being tentatively reduced by initiatives such as the Iberian Spider checklist and catalogue (
All analyses were computed in R (version 3.5.1) using the package "red - IUCN redlisting tools" (
Species with less than five georeferrenced records were considered to be insufficiently known and classified as Data Deficient (DD). When it was possible to reliably due so, i.e. for species with sufficient distribution data, EOO and AOO were calculated in one of two ways:
1. For troglobiont species, we assumed that we knew well enough the full range of the species, based on the fact that Portuguese cave systems are relatively well explored. We then classified these values as observed and used our occurrence records to:
2. For non-troglobiont species with at least five records, species distribution modelling (SDM) was performed.
This was done using the environmental data present in Worldclim 2.0 (
weightrun = max(0, (AUCrun - 0.5))2
These probabilistic models were then processed with the map.habitat function, which further restricted them to patches, including observation points, thus often reducing the range and consequently the EOO and AOO values. We present for each assessment the EOO and AOO for both the consensus maps and their lower confidence limits (in reverse order in the assessments themselves), calculated respectively as the areas found suitable in at least 50% and 97.5% of the 100 models created per species (after weighting of individual models). All final maps and values were checked and validated by our own expert opinion. All data, presented in the Results section, use the lower confidence limits as per the precautionary principle and includes the previously assessed Anapistula ataecina.
Funileira-de-Barrientos
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Agelenidae |
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There are only two records for the species (
This spider is known from only two sites in central Portugal (
Data available (2 records) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (2 records) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only two sites, one a botanical garden and the other a pinewood plantation.
A ground-dwelling species that builds a sheet web to catch a variety of small prey. They also build small tube web retreats at one end of the sheet. Given the habitat types where the species was found, it seems to be tolerant to humans.
Existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider was collected at two sites, one of which makes it fair to assume that its true range might be completely or at least partially covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0015) and the Serras de Aires e Candeeiros Natural Park.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Funileira-incógnita
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Agelenidae |
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Largely unknown, as there is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one heavily urbanised mixed forest in Parque Florestal de Monsanto, close to Lisbon (
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider's only record comes from Parque Florestal de Monsanto, a small forest area that is isolated by human infrastructure, the closest natural area being located in Sintra, ca. 20 km away.
A ground-dwelling species that builds a sheet web to catch a variety of small prey. They also build small tube web retreats at one end of the sheet.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has not been recorded inside or adjacent to protected areas. More records are needed in order to confirm or disprove this for the species' true range.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Tecedeira-de-funil-do-litoral
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Agelenidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (20 records), mostly recent and in sand dunes (
This spider has been recorded in coastal areas all across Portugal, from its southernmost record in Monchique to its northernmost in Viana do Castelo (
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
Recorded in sand dunes, heathlands, rocky steppes, oak forests (Quercus spp.) and plantations (Eucalyptus sp., Pinus spp.) from north and central Portugal, occupying coastal or sometimes mountainous regions throughout the country. Recorded once in a marshland.
There are no currently known major threats to the species' habitat.
This spider is a ground-dwelling species found in areas with relatively dense vegetation cover. It builds a sheet web often under the leaf litter and eats a variety of small crawling invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has been found in a variety of protected areas, namely the Litoral Norte Natural Park, the Paul de Arzila Natural Reserve, the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, the Paul do Boquilobo Natural Reserve and the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. Given how widespread the species distribution modelling seems to predict this species to be, it is not unreasonable to assume that it may occupy further protected areas, as well as a variety of areas covered by the Natura 2000 network (most distinct being Monchique, its southernmost tip).
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Aranha-tenaz-alentejana
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Dysderidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (10 records), mostly recent and in a variety of habitats (
This spider has been recorded several times, all of them in the province of Beja, Alentejo. Nevertheless, species distribution modelling predicts that it might be widespread throughout the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
This spider is found in a variety of habitats, from oak forests (Quercus spp.) to shrublands (Cystus sp., Juniperus sp.) and plantations (Eucalyptus sp., Pinus spp.).
There are no currently known major threats to the species' habitat.
This spider is a ground-dwelling species that builds no web, actively hunting for the woodlice of which it is presumably a specialist.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
The vast majority of this species' records are located inside the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park, which is covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0036; PTZPE0045; PTZPE0047).
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Aranha-nómada-do-Algarve
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Dysderidae |
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Largely unknown as there is only one record. The true range is therefore unknown and not possible to model with confidence.
Largely unknown as there is only one record (
The data available (a single record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
The data available (a single record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from one site of unspecified habitat.
A nocturnal ground-dwelling species which produces no web and eats a variety of small invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
It is unknown exactly where this spider was collected, but it is fair to assume that its true range might be partially or completely covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0057).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Aranha-nómada
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Dysderidae |
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Largely unknown, as there are only four records for the species (
This spider is known from only four sites in Algarve, Southernmost Portugal (
The data available (four records) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
The data available (four records) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider has been recorded at four different sites, one of them a cave. Remaining sites possess no habitat information.
A nocturnal ground-dwelling species that produces no web and eats a variety of small invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has not been recorded within or adjacent to national protected areas. However, the species' true range might be totally or at least partially covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0037; PTCON0049).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Aranha-nómada
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Dysderidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (four records), mostly recent but mostly without habitat information (
This spider is known from only four sites in Beja and Setúbal in south Portugal. The species distribution model predicts it might be restricted to this region.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
This spider is known from four sites, only two of these possessing habitat information. The species seems to be associated with Quercus spp. and Olea sp.
A nocturnal ground-dwelling species that produces no web and eats a variety of small invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
One of the species records is attributed to the outskirts of Mértola, inside the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park. A second record in Ponte de Serpa is close to the same park. Additionally, considering the location of Harpactea proxima's records and the SDM, the species' true range might be partially covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0047, PTCON0036).
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Aranha-nómada-das-estalactites
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Dysderidae |
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Few collection sites are recorded for this species (four records), mostly recent and all of them in caves in the Algarve (
This spider is known from four isolated caves in the Maciço Calcário do Algarve (MCA) in southern Portugal.
This spider currently faces threats of habitat loss due to urbanisation, land use change on the surface altering the microclimate beneath and stone quarries.
This spider currently faces threats of habitat loss due to urbanisation, land use change on the surface altering the microclimate beneath and stone quarries.
This spider is known from four isolated caves in the Maciço Calcário do Algarve (MCA) in southern Portugal. Current threats do not imply a difference between the number of locations and number of subpopulations.
This spider currently faces threats of habitat loss due to urbanisation, land use change on the surface altering the microclimate beneath and stone quarries.
No estimates of population size exist.
This spider currently faces threats of habitat loss due to urbanisation, land use change on the surface altering the microclimate beneath and stone quarries.
No estimates of population size exist.
This spider possesses a highly restricted habitat as it is known from only four sites, all located in caves.
So far, this spider is the only known troglobiont species of its genus. Its eyes are totally absent as well as its pigmentation and it shows elongated appendages as are typical for many troglobionts (
This spider currently faces threats of habitat loss due to urbanisation, land use change on the surface altering the microclimate beneath and stone quarries.
The species range is partially covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0049, PTCON0050).
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Aranha-nómada
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Dysderidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (seven records), mostly recent and in a variety of habitats. It was possible to perform species distribution modelling to predict its potential range with confidence limits. See Methods for details.
This spider has been recorded in southern Portugal along the coast (
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
The records of this spider encompass multiple habitats. The species has been recorded so far on sand dunes, mediterranean woods, rocky steppes, forests (Quercus suber) and one polje, a particular karstic habitat in Terras do Risco in the Arrábida Natural Park.
There are no currently known major threats to the species habitat.
A nocturnal ground-dwelling species that produces no web and eats a variety of small invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
The vast majority of this spider's records are located within protected areas: the Arrábida Natural Park and the Lagoas de Santo André e Sancha Natural Reserve. The species distribution modelling predicts that it could also be present in the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Estuário do Sado Natural Park and Ria Formosa Natural Park. The sites, from where it has been recorded, are inside the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0010; PTCON0034; PTZPE0014; PTZPE0013) and it could be present in further protected areas.
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Eresidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (seven records) from both published sources (
This spider is known exclusively from dune sites scattered across Portugal's southern coasts (
The sand dunes, from where this species is exclusively found, are delicate habitats threatened by habitat loss due to urbanisation and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
The sand dunes, from where this species is exclusively found, are delicate habitats threatened by habitat loss due to urbanisation and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
The data available is not enough to estimate the number of locations.
The sand dunes, from where this species is exclusively found, are delicate habitats threatened by habitat loss due to urbanisation and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
No estimates of population size exist.
The data available is not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known exclusively from dunes, often consolidated or on top of cliffs.
This spider is a ground-dwelling, sheet-web builder that constructs a simple vertical or inclined burrow and feeds on various small arthropods.
The sand dunes, from where this species is exclusively found, are delicate habitats threatened by habitat loss due to urbanisation and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
The species range is partially covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0017; PTCON0012; PTCON0013). It is also partially covered by the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Additionally, all beaches in Portugal are governed by the European Water Framework Directive (directive 2000/60/EC), being protected by means of land-use plans that preserve coastal ecosystems (decree-law Nº 130/2012).
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Filistatidae |
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There is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site, in the remnants of a paleodune field in a subcoastal region near Sagres, Algarve, southern Portugal (
Data available (a single record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (a single record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only one site in a dune field.
A nocturnal, tube-web builder that presumably feeds on a variety of small invertebrates.
No known threats.
The single known site for this spider is currently protected by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0012 and PTZPE0015). Additionally, it is also covered by the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the species range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
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Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Gnaphosidae |
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There is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site in a maquis in Sobral da Adica, Beja, southern Portugal (
The data available (a single record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
The data available (a single record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only one site in a maquis.
If similar to congeners, a nocturnal active hunter that is found at the understorey level, eating a variety of small invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
The single record for this spider is in the Natura 2000 network and its true range could be totally or at least partially covered by this instrument (PTZPE0045 and PTCON0053).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range of the species.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Gnaphosidae |
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Largely unknown, as there are only two records for the species (
This spider is known from only two sites in southern Portugal, one is the small village of Olhos de Água and the other is an unspecified site somewhere near the city of São Brás de Alportel, both in the province of Faro, Algarve (
The data available (two records) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
The data available (two records) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only two sites. The habitat of both places is unspecified.
If similar to congeners, this spider is a nocturnal active hunter that lives at the understorey level.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
It is unknown exactly where this spider was found in São Brás de Alportel. Future records might reveal its true range to be partially covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0049 and PTCON0057) as it is within 5 km of known occurence points.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Gnaphosidae |
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There are only two records for the species (
This spider is known from only two sites in south Portugal, one in Corval and the other one in Montoito, Évora (
The data available (two records) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
The data available (two records) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only two sites, both cork oak woodlands with scattered bushes.
If similar to congeners, these spiders are active predators that consume a variety of invertebrates at ground level.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has not been recorded in areas inside or adjacent to protected areas. More records are needed in order to confirm or disprove this for the species true range.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Gnaphosidae |
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Largely unknown, as there is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site in a sandy area near the beach east of Fuseta, Algarve, southern Portugal (
The data available (a single record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
The data available (a single record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only one site in a sandy beach.
If similar to conspecifics, this spider is an active ground hunter that does not build a web and consumes a variety of small invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
It is unknown exactly where this spider was collected but it is fair to assume that its true range might be completely or at least partially covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0017 and PTCON0013). It might also be totally or partially covered by the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Mígala-dos-montados
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Macrothelidae |
Macrothele calpeiana's records form four distinct groups. Recent work (Arnedo unpublished) suggests that the individuals recorded in Portugal may belong to a species separate from those found in Spain.
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (174 records) from references both recent and otherwise, but with remarkably little habitat information (
This spider is a widespread species present throughout the majority of southern Iberian Peninsula (
No known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
No known threats to the species.
This spider is known primarily from mediterranean forests dominated by Quercus suber and was originally considered a bioindicator for this habitat. However, subsequent collections revealed that it could be found in a variety of habitats, including anthropic habitats such as pine and olive plantations and even road-sides, old walls and rubbish dumps (
This tube- and sheet-web builder creates small burrows on vertical walls, tree trunks or even at ground level, often adopting existing burrows. It is predominantly nocturnal and is reported as performing both sit-and-wait hunting, as well as active hunting.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider is found in a variety of protected areas, namely the Fonte Benémola Local Protected Landscape and the Rocha da Pena Local Protected Landscape in Portugal and the Doñana National Park, La Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park, the Sierra de Huétor Natural Park, Los Alcornocales Natural Park (and others) in Spain. Additionally, it is also present in a large variety of areas covered by the Natura 2000 network.
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Leptonetidae |
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There are only two old records for the species. Its true range is therefore unknown and not possible to model with confidence.
This spider is known from only two sites of unspecified habitat in the province of Porto, one from Monte Pedral and another from Entre-os-Rios (
The data available (two records) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
The data available (two records) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only two sites of unspecified habitat.
If similar to congeners, a nocturnal ground-dwelling species that hides under rocks and forest litter and captures prey through the use of a space web.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has not been recorded in areas inside or adjacent to protected areas. More records are needed in order to confirm or disprove this for the species' true range.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Leptonetidae |
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Largely unknown, as there are only four old records for the species. Its true range is therefore unknown and not possible to model with confidence.
This spider is known from only four sites in central Portugal, two of them in caves in Coimbra, two more in sites of unspecified habitat in Aveiro (
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
Data available (4 records) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (4 records) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
There are only four records for the species, two of them in caves in Coimbra, two more in sites of unspecified habitat in Aveiro.
Troglophile. A nocturnal ground-dwelling species that hides under rocks and forest litter and captures prey through the use of a space web.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has not been recorded in areas inside or adjacent to protected areas. More records are needed in order to confirm or disprove this for the species' true range.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Leptonetidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (8 records), mostly recent and exclusively in caves (
This spider has been recorded in three areas, the Algarve and two mountain ranges, Serra da Adiça in Alentejo and Serra da Arrábida in Setúbal (
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
This spider is a troglobiont species of highly restricted habitat found strictly within caves.
Troglobiont species with eyes very reduced in size, sometimes absent. Pigmentation is completely absent. It builds flat webs often under rocks on the cave floor where it can be found sitting waiting for prey.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
One of the areas that this spider inhabits is both a protected area, the Arrábida Natural Park, as well as an area covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0010).
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Linyphiidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (30 records), mostly recent and in caves, albeit rarely it can also be found in pinewood forests (
This spider is a well-established presence in cave systems throughout north and central Portugal, with a single record existing for Monchique in the Algarve (
Many of the underground habitats that this spider inhabits have been damaged or destroyed by pollution from human and agricultural activity (such as septic tanks and other forms of waste), infrastructure building (such as wind farms), quarries and overall disturbance from human presence, including the destruction and removal of geological structures that form this species' habitat.
Many of the underground habitats that this spider inhabits have been damaged or destroyed by pollution from human and agricultural activity (such as septic tanks and other forms of waste), infrastructure building (such as wind farms), quarries and overall disturbance from human presence, including the destruction and removal of geological structures that form this species' habitat.
The number of threats needed to completely cover the species range is unknown but, in any case, larger than 10.
Many of the underground habitats that this spider inhabits have been damaged or destroyed by pollution from human and agricultural activity (such as septic tanks and other forms of waste), infrastructure building (such as wind farms), quarries and overall disturbance from human presence, including the destruction and removal of geological structures that form this species' habitat.
Many of the underground habitats that this spider inhabits have been damaged or destroyed by pollution from human and agricultural activity (such as septic tanks and other forms of waste), infrastructure building (such as wind farms), quarries and overall disturbance from human presence, including the destruction and removal of geological structures that form this species' habitat.
No estimates of population size exist.
Many of the underground habitats that this spider inhabits have been damaged or destroyed by pollution from human and agricultural activity (such as septic tanks and other forms of waste), infrastructure building (such as wind farms), quarries and overall disturbance from human presence, including the destruction and removal of geological structures that form this species' habitat.
This spider is a troglophile species recorded mostly in caves (18). A fair amount of records possess no habitat information (9) and, less commonly, they possess information for pinewood forests (2) and a mine (1).
Many of the underground habitats that this spider inhabits have been damaged or destroyed by pollution from human and agricultural activity (such as septic tanks and other forms of waste), infrastructure building (such as wind farms), quarries and overall disturbance from human presence, including the destruction and removal of geological structures that form this species' habitat.
Troglophile species. A nocturnal ground-dwelling species that eats a variety of small invertebrates, capturing its prey through the use of a sheet web.
Many of the underground habitats that this spider inhabits have been damaged or destroyed by pollution from human and agricultural activity (such as septic tanks and other forms of waste), infrastructure building (such as wind farms), quarries and overall disturbance from human presence, including the destruction and removal of geological structures that form this species' habitat.
This spider is a widespread species. Some of the caves it inhabits are currently covered by protected areas namely the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the Montejunto Regional Protected Landscape. It is therefore reasonable to be expected that it is covered at large by a variety of sites designated by the Natura 2000 network.
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Linyphiidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (5 records). It was possible to perform species distribution modelling to predict its potential range with confidence limits. See Methods for details.
This spider has been recorded only in northern Portugal, mostly recent but without much habitat information although at least one record was from a mixed oak forest (
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
Despite being recorded several times, only one of this spider's records includes habitat information for a mixed oak woodland containing Quercus robur and Quercus pyrenaica (
There are no currently known threats to the species.
A nocturnal species that eats a variety of small invertebrates through the use of a sheet web in tree trunks, large branches and more secluded places.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has been recorded once inside the Peneda-Gerês National Park and another time in Paredes de Coura, close (~1.5 km) to the Corno do Bico Regional Protected Landscape. Both of these areas are covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0001; PTCON0040; PTZPE0002).
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Linyphiidae |
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Largely unknown as there is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site in a Quercus pyrenaica (Willd.) forest (
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
This spider is known from only one site in a Quercus pyrenaica forest on a slope over a small river.
A ground-dwelling species that is active during both night and day, actively hunting for a variety of small invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
The species true range might be completely or at least partially covered by the Douro Internacional Natural Park.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range (if any).
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Linyphiidae |
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Largely unknown, as there are only three records for the species (
This spider is known from only three sites (
Data available (3 records) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
This spider is known from only three sites, one in a marsh and the other in a botanical garden next to a river and a spring.
A ground-dwelling species that produces no web and hunts actively, consuming a variety of small invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider was collected in three sites, one of which was in the centre of the Paul de Arzila Natural Park, which in turn is located inside the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0005, PTCON0005).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range (if any).
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Linyphiidae |
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Largely unknown, as there are only two records for the species (
This spider is known from only two sites in Braga and Porto, north-western Portugal (
Data available (2 records) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (2 record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
One of the records (
An active hunter that builds no web and eats a variety of small invertebrates.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider was collected in two sites, one of which, Mata da Albergaria, is located in the Peneda-Gerêz National Park and covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0002, very close to PTCON0024).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range (if any).
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Liocranidae |
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Largely unknown, as there is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site in a maquis in a limestone region (
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only one site in a maquis in a limestone region.
A ground-level active hunter that constructs no web and hides under stones and litter during the day.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
Although the species' true range is unknown, its single record is currently inside the Arrábida Natural Park. Additionally, this spider's record is located in an area covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0010).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Buraqueira-de-bacelar
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Nemesiidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (17 records) mostly recent and in a variety of different habitats (
This spider has been frequently recorded in northern and central Portugal (
Despite the present threats to some of its subpopulations, the wide geographical and habitat range of this spider makes it plausible that the trend is mostly stable.
Despite the present threats to some of its subpopulations, the wide geographical and habitat range of this spider makes it plausible that the trend is mostly stable.
The number of threats needed to completely cover the species range is unknown but, in any case, larger than 10.
Despite the present threats to some of its subpopulations, the wide geographical and habitat range of this spider makes it plausible that the trend is mostly stable.
No estimates of population size exist.
Despite the present threats to some of its subpopulations, the wide geographical and habitat range of this spider makes it plausible that the trend is mostly stable.
Highly diverse. This spider has been found in marshes, grasslands, shrublands (Cytisus and Genista), forests (Quercus spp.) and plantations (Eucalyptus sp. and Pinus spp.), most often in clay or compacted soil.
Males appear to be nocturnal. A ground-dwelling species that builds vertical burrows with a trapdoor entry and eats a variety of small invertebrates (mainly beetles).
Several subpopulations in central Portugal (mostly in the Coimbra region) are threatened by urban development and have either been eradicated or severely depleted. Unsurpassable obstacles and lack of safe corridors present a challenge to male dispersal in urban and peri-urban populations, which have often been found dead or dying trying to overcome human infrastructures (volunteers have attempted to reduce this by rescuing males and returning them to the vicinities of known colonies).
This spider has been recorded in several protected areas across its distribution, from its south-westernmost tip at the Arrábida Natural Park to its north-easternmost tip at the Douro International Natural Park. Due to its widespread nature, it is no doubt present in numerous areas protected by the Natura 2000 network.
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Nemesiidae |
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There is only one old published record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site (
Few records and a lack of population data are not enough to estimate the species range or extinction risk trend. However, habitat loss in the area due to agriculture, urban infrastructure development and wildfires indicates the species is likely declining.
Few records and a lack of population data are not enough to estimate the species range or extinction risk trend. However, habitat loss in the area due to agriculture, urban infrastructure development and wildfires indicates the species is likely declining.
Until further information on this spider's distribution is recorded, the number of locations is unknown.
Habitat loss in the area due to agriculture, urban infrastructure development and wildfires indicates the species is likely declining.
Few records and a lack of populational data are not enough to estimate the species extinction risk. However, habitat loss in the area due to agriculture, urban infrastructure development and wildfires indicates the species is likely declining.
No estimates of population size exist.
The data available are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations. However, habitat loss in the area due to agriculture, urban infrastructure development and wildfires indicates the species is likely declining.
This spider was originally found in an unspecified habitat, but horizontal burrows (a distinct burrow not present in other Iberian species) were found in leaf litter on the verge of local forests.
Habitat loss in the area due to agriculture, urban infrastructure development and wildfires indicates the species habitat is likely declining in area and quality.
A ground-dwelling species that builds vertical burrows with a trapdoor entry and eats a variety of small invertebrates (mainly beetles).
Habitat loss in the area due to agriculture, urban infrastructure development and wildfires indicates the species is likely declining.
This spider has not been recorded in areas inside or adjacent to protected areas. More records are needed in order to confirm or disprove this for the species' true range.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Buraqueira-de-fage
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Nemesiidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (12 records), mostly recent (
This spider has been recorded almost exclusively in the Algarve, being recorded only once in the nearby region of southern Alentejo (
Several subpopulations have been eradicated by urban development and many more are often disturbed or depleted by trampling, mostly in touristic areas, to access the coast line. Severe wildfires have recently devastated known occurrence regions, affecting a considerable number of subpopulations. A few subpopulations have been eradicated in the past due to habitat destruction caused by eucalyptus plantations, but this threat appears to have been halted in recent years.
Several subpopulations have been eradicated by urban development and many more are often disturbed or depleted by trampling, mostly in touristic areas, to access the coast line. Severe wildfires have recently devastated known occurrence regions, affecting a considerable number of subpopulations. A few subpopulations have been eradicated in the past due to habitat destruction caused by eucalyptus plantations, but this threat appears to have been halted in recent years.
The number of threats needed to completely cover the species range is unknown but, in any case, larger than 10.
Several subpopulations have been erradicated by urban development and many more are often disturbed or depleted by trampling, mostly in touristic areas, to access the coast line. Severe wildfires have recently devastated known occurrence regions, affecting a considerable number of subpopulations. A few subpopulations have been eradicated in the past due to habitat destruction caused by eucalyptus plantations, but this threat appears to have been halted in recent years.
No estimates of population size exist.
Several subpopulations have been eradicated by urban development and many more are often disturbed or depleted by trampling, mostly in touristic areas, to access the coast line. Severe wildfires have recently devastated known occurrence regions, affecting a considerable number of subpopulations. A few subpopulations have been eradicated in the past due to habitat destruction caused by eucalyptus plantations, but this threat appears to have been halted in recent years.
Habitat information was recorded only twice in bushlands (dominated by Cystus sp.). Expert knowledge suggests that it is found in coastal areas (open areas, plateaus, small cliffs and roadsides), as well as mountainous regions of oak forest (Quercus suber) in the Algarve.
Several subpopulations have been eradicated by urban development and many more are often disturbed or depleted by trampling, mostly in touristic areas, to access the coast line. Severe wildfires have recently devastated known occurrence regions, affecting a considerable number of subpopulations. A few subpopulations have been eradicated in the past due to habitat destruction caused by eucalyptus plantations, but this threat appears to have been halted in recent years.
A ground-dwelling, nocturnal spider that builds a tube web and eats a variety of small invertebrates (mainly beetles).
Several subpopulations have been eradicated by urban development and many more are often disturbed or depleted by trampling, mostly in touristic areas, to access the coast line. Severe wildfires have recently devastated known occurrence regions, affecting a considerable number of subpopulations. A few subpopulations have been eradicated in the past due to habitat destruction caused by eucalyptus plantations, but this threat appears to have been halted in recent years.
This spider has been recorded inside the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, as well as close to the Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António Natural Reserve, where it is predicted to occur.
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Nesticiidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (22 records), mostly recent and all of them in caves (
This spider has been recorded in central Portugal, exclusively inhabiting caves belonging to the Maciço Calcário Estremenho (MCE), one of the largest limestone areas of the country.
Local limestone quarries cover large areas and may be reducing available habitat.
Local limestone quarries cover large areas and may be reducing available habitat.
The number of threats needed to completely cover the species range is unknown but, in any case, larger than 10.
Local limestone quarries cover large areas and may be reducing available habitat.
Local limestone quarries cover large areas and may be reducing available habitat.
No estimates of population size exist.
Local limestone quarries cover large areas and may be reducing available habitat.
This spider is a troglobiont species of highly restricted habitat, found exclusively in caves of the Maciço Calcário Estremenho (MCE).
This spider belongs to a recently described genus that seems to be constituted entirely by troglobiont species. Its eyes are absent and it captures small invertebrates with a space web positioned on cave walls and often inside crevices.
Local limestone quarries cover large areas and may be reducing available habitat.
The majority of the caves, in which this spider occurs, are currently located inside the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, as well as the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0015).
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Salticidae |
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There is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site in Monte Gordo, Algarve, Southern Portugal (
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only one site in dunes and it is impossible to know if it is exclusive to it, using available data.
Diurnal active hunters that reside in both ground and vegetation levels. They eat a variety of small invertebrates and construct no web.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
It is unknown exactly where this spider was collected but it is fair to assume that its true range might be partially or completely covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0047 and PTCON0018). It might also be totally or partially covered by the Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António Natural Reserve.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Segestriidae |
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There is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site, located on a beach on a peninsula near Manta Rota, Faro (
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider is known from only one site, located on a beach.
If similar to congeners, a ground tube-web builder that is active during both night and day.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
It is unknown exactly where this spider was collected, but it is fair to assume that its true range might be completely or at least partially covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0017 and PTCON0013). It might also be totally or partially covered by the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Theridiidae |
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There is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site located next to a beach in Aljezur, Algarve, Southern Portugal (
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
This spider is known from only one site located next to a beach. The habitat of the site itself, where the specimen was found, is not specified, but it is assumed based on its location to be sand dunes.
If similar to congeners with close distribution, it inhabits dry places. Could limit itself to low vegetation in the dunes like Lasaeola armona, but more records could also reveal a preference for sandy pine groves. Could possess a capture web like Lasaeola armona or construct no web like Lasaeola convexa. Period of activity is unknown. Unknown if euryphagous or stenophagous.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
It is unknown exactly where this spider was collected, but it is fair to assume that its true range might be completely or at least partially covered by the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park. It might also be totally or partially covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0015 and PTCON0012).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Theridiidae |
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There is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site of unspecified habitat, at the village of Olhos de Água, Algarve, Southern Portugal (
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
This spider is known from only one site: a hotel complex next to shrubland in the village of Olhos de Água. The holotype was collected by beating bushes in the shrubland immediately adjacent to the hotel complex where the paratype was found, standing on a wall.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
In general, species of this genus build tridimensional webs to capture their prey.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has not been recorded in areas inside or adjacent to protected areas. More records are needed in order to confirm or disprove this for the species' true range.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Aranha-de-tolkien
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Zodariidae |
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There is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one scrubland dominated by Cystus sp. close to the small village of Corte da Velha, in the Vale of Guadiana Natural Park, south-eastern Portugal (
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
This spider is only known from a scrubland dominated by Cystus sp.
The genus Amphiledorus has been recently described so not much information is available. However, a single species, Amphiledorus histrionicus (Simon, 1884) was once part of genus Selamia, members of which are described as hiding during the day in sand-covered silken retreats that serve at the same time as both hiding corners and capturing devices, with prey being ambushed from underneath the retreat (
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
The only known locality for this spider is inside the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park and its true range might be partially or completely covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0047 and PTCON0036).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Zodariidae |
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There is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site, in sand dunes (
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
This spider is known from only one site in sand dunes.
An ant-eating species that produces no web and uses specialised predator behaviour and mimicry in order to capture its prey.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
Although the species' true range is unknown, it was recorded once in the Lagoas de Santo André Natural Reserve, an area covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0014; PTCON0034).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Zodariidae |
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There are only three collection sites recorded for this species (3 records), mostly recent and always in sand dunes (
This spider is known from only three sites in southern Portugal, always in sand dunes (
Data available (3 sites) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
The sand dunes, in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
No estimates of population size exist.
The sand dunes, in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
This spider has been found so far exclusively on sand dunes. All records are associated with sand dune habitats except for the record from the Algarve which, while possessing no habitat information, is located on a coastal area.
The sand dunes, in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
An ant-eating species that produces no web and uses specialised predator behaviour and mimicry in order to capture its prey.
The sand dunes, in which this species is found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
This spider has two of its records inside the Lagoas de Santo André e Sancha Natural Park and the areas, in which it has currently been recorded, are inside the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0034; PTZPE0014; PTZPE0013). Additionally, all beaches in Portugal are governed by the European Water Framework Directive (directive 2000/60/EC) enacted through land-use plans that conserve and defend coastal ecosystems (decree-law Nº 130/2012).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Zodariidae |
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There is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one site of unspecified habitat in the Torre de Moncorvo municipality, north-eastern Portugal.
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
Habitat is unknown. This spider has been recorded only once in an area of unspecified habitat.
An ant-eating species that produces no web and uses specialised predator behaviour and mimicry in order to capture its prey.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has not been recorded in areas inside or adjacent to protected areas, but it is close to the Douro International Natural Park. More records are needed in order to confirm or disprove this for the species' true range.
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Zodariidae |
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Multiple collection sites (5 records) are recorded for this species, mostly recent, but with scarce habitat information (
This spider has been recorded in central and southern Portugal. The species distribution modelling predicts that this species could be widespread throughout the region and could be present in Spain along its southern border with Portugal.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
Habitat information has only been recorded twice for this spider, highlighting woods or grasslands, dominated by Quercus ilex and Cystus sp.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
An ant-eating species that produces no web and uses specialised predator behaviour and mimicry in order to capture its prey.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has been recorded twice inside the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park, an area covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0036; PTZPE0047). Species distribution modelling predicts that it could be present in more protected areas.
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Chelicerata | Arachnida | Araneae | Zodariidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (6 records), mostly recent and in three distinct habitats (
This spider has been recorded in north and central Portugal along the coast. Species distribution modelling predicts that this species could cover the entirety of Portugal's north and central coast, from Lisbon to Viana do Castelo.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
This spider has been recorded in three distinct habitats: pinewood forests, sand dunes and marshes.
An ant-eating species that produces no web and uses specialised predator behaviour and mimicry in order to capture its prey.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has been recorded inside the Paul de Arzila Natural Reserve and the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, both areas covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0005; PTZPE0005; PTCON0015). It could be present in numerous other protected areas.
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Zodariidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (11 records), mostly recent and in a variety of habitats (
This spider has been recorded several times throughout northern Portugal, most of which were in the northeast. The species distribution modelling predicts that the species could occupy areas closer to the coast, as well as to be present in north-western Spain.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
No estimates of population size exist.
There are no currently known threats to the species.
This spider has been found in a variety of habitats including olive groves, shrublands (with Cystus sp., Cytisus sp. or Genista sp.), forests (Quercus spp.) and plantations (Eucalyptus sp., Pinus spp.).
There are no currently known threats to the species.
An ant-eating species that produces no web and uses specialised predator behaviour and mimicry in order to capture its prey.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
This spider has been recorded in areas located inside the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and the Douro Internacional Natural Park. These areas are in turn currently covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0014; ES0000118; ES4150096). The species could, however, be more widespread and occupy other protected areas in Portugal and Spain.
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Zodariidae |
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Unknown, as there is only one record for the species (
This spider is known from only one scrubland site, dominated by Cistus sp. in south-eastern Portugal.
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of locations.
No estimates of population size exist.
Data available (1 record) are not enough to estimate the number of subpopulations.
This spider has currently been recorded only once in a shrubland (Cystus sp.).
An ant-eating species that produces no web and uses specialised predator behaviour and mimicry in order to capture its prey.
The existence of threats is unknown for this species.
The only locality, where this spider was collected, is in the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park and covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTZPE0047 and PTCON0036).
Research is needed on basic information such as distribution, ecology, life cycle and possible threats throughout the range.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animalia | Arthropoda | Arachnida | Araneae | Zodariidae |
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Multiple collection sites are recorded for this species (15 records), mostly recent and in sand dunes (
This spider is a common species in sand dunes in the coasts of central and northern Portugal. The species distribution modelling suggests that it could be widespread in dune areas from Porto to Leiria regions.
The sand dunes, in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
The sand dunes in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
The number of threats needed to completely cover the species range is unknown but, in any case, larger than 10.
The sand dunes, in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
The sand dunes, in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
No estimates of population size exist.
The sand dunes, in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
Exclusive to coastal sand dunes in various Portuguese provinces.
The sand dunes, in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
An ant-eating species that produces no web and uses specialised predator behaviour and mimicry in order to capture its prey.
The sand dunes, in which this species has been found, are delicate habitats that are threatened by habitat loss and possible increase in number of extreme weather events due to climate change.
This spider is found in beaches across north and central Portugal, being recorded once in the Dunas de São Jacinto Natural Reserve along an area also covered by the Natura 2000 network (PTCON0055; PTCON0061; PTZPE0004). Additionally, all beaches in Portugal are governed by the European Water Framework Directive (directive 2000/60/EC), being protected by means of land-use plans that preserve coastal ecosystems (decree-law Nº 130/2012).
Monitoring of population and habitat are important to confirm inferred trends.
The 43 assessed species belong to 15 families, the richest being Zodariidae (9 species, 21.4%), Dysderidae (6, 14.2%), Linyphiidae (5, 12.0%), Gnaphosidae (4, 9.5%), Agelenidae, Leptonetidae and Nemesiidae (3 species each, 7.1%) (Fig.
From the 43 species evaluated, only 18 had enough data to allow their EOO and AOO to be quantified. Of these, we modelled the distribution of 14 epigean species, eight of which were found to be widespread (both EOO > 20 000 km2 and AOO > 2000 km2). The remaining six fulfilled at least one of the criteria for threatened species. Four species are troglobiont, whose distribution was assumed to be well known and therefore assessed using the known occurrence points: Anapistula ataecina, Domitius lusitanicus, Harpactea stalitoides, Teloleptoneta synthetica. As expected from species with such life history, all of them fulfil the EOO and AOO thresholds for threatened species. The remaining 25 Portuguese endemics (59.5%) had no reliable information on their range (Fig.
Population trends equally suffer greatly from lack of information. From the 43 species assessed, only nine are estimated to be in decline, 11 stable, with the majority of species having no information on trends (23 species, Fig.
Portuguese endemics occupy a variety of habitats. Forest areas (15 species), sand dunes (12 species), shrublands (10) and caves (6) host the majority of species (Fig.
Forests vary considerably in their composition of dominant trees, according to the biogeographic region in question and are frequently both natural and semi-natural systems. Besides the threat of man-made wildfires, increasingly important during this era of accelerated climate change, endemic Portuguese forests and shrublands face an additional, ongoing threat to their extension: the mass production of Eucalyptus globosum (Labill). Often poorly managed plantations may not only be exacerbating the occurrence of wildfires (
Species occurring on sand dunes are significantly represented, with a majority being exclusive to this habitat. However, given most of these species have no reliable information on their range, future research may prove this to be at least partly biased, either due to recent work targeting this habitat (
When considering Anapistula ataecina (
The threats to Portuguese endemics reflect the diversity of habitats they occupy. Urbanisation and climate change seem to be the most important threats to these species (Fig.
A considerable proportion of the currently known Portuguese endemic richness can be found in national protected areas, with special focus on the natural park system. Out of 234 records used, 112 were located inside protected areas (47.8%). The Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park has the largest number of records within it (31), followed by Douro Internacional Natural Park (16), Vale do Guadiana Natural Park (12), Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park (11) and Arrábida Natural Park (10). Of all species considered here, 29 (69.0%) possess at least one record in an area belonging to the National Protected Area Network (RNAP). Although this might seem encouraging and somehow indicating that protected areas are well located, most of these numbers might be due to the fact that these specific protected areas in Portugal were relatively well sampled during the recent decades (
Presence in the Natura 2000 network is also common. The (PTCON0015) Serras de Aire e Candeeiros site has the most records (29), followed by (PTZPE0047) Vale do Guadiana (12), the (PTCON0012/PTZPE0015) Costa Sudoeste and (PTCON0010) Arrábida / Espichel (10) sites, (PTCON0061/PTZPE0004) Ria de Aveiro (8) and the (PTCON0049) Barrocal and (PTCON0048) Serra de Montejunto (7) sites. Out of 234 records, 169 are located inside areas of the Natura 2000 network (72.2%). Of all species considered in this study, 31 (73.8%) possess at least one record in an area belonging to the Natura 2000 network.
Finally, regarding conservation measures needed to protect endemic spider species, site/area protection and/or resource & habitat protection were invariably found to be most important. This is especially critical since no spider endemic to mainland Portugal is protected by law, national or international and hence their protection has never been considered in conservation plans and only when they coincide with protected areas or other protected species, is it possible to somehow safeguard them. As mentioned previously, the only spider protected in the country is not endemic, Macrothele calpeianaand should be assessed as Least Concern, given its wide range and high adaptability to different habitat types.
Vasco Veiga Branco was supported by the European Union ERASMUS+ funding and the Mainland Portugal Terrestrial Invertebrate Redlisting Project (Projeto Lista Vermelha de Invertebrados Terrestres de Portugal Continental - LVI). Sérgio Henriques was funded by a UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Doctoral Training Partnership grant (NE/L002485/1) and a UKRI Policy Internship with the Royal Society. We'd like to thank Pedro Robalo of the Portuguese Speleology Federation for providing updated cave coordinates.