Ecology of Arachnida alien to Europe

0363705 - BC 2012 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Nedvěd, Oldřich - Pekár, S. - Bezděčka, P. - Líznarová, E. - Řezáč, M. - Schmitt, M. - Sentenská, L.
Ecology of Arachnida alien to Europe.
Biocontrol. Roč. 56, č. 4 (2011), s. 539-550. ISSN 1386-6141. E-ISSN 1573-8248
Grant - others:Czech Science Foundation(CZ) 206/09P521; Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic(CZ) MZE 0002700603
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50070508
Keywords : invasive species * neobiota * non-indigenous species
Subject RIV: EH - Ecology, Behaviour
Impact factor: 1.927, year: 2011

The ecology of selected species of spiders (Araneae), harvestmen (Opiliones), and the neglected tropical order Schizomida, alien to Europe, is discussed. Their geographic origins and pathways of introduction, by transportation with goods, are similar to other predatory terrestrial arthropods. Occurrence in buildings (synanthropy) is a prerequisite for range expansion in many arachnid species. Thelytokous parthenogenesis facilitated spread of a few spider, harvestman and schizomid species outside their native range. Both prey generalists and specialists (woodlice-eating Dysdera crocata and ant-eating Zodarion rubidum) are among species successfully expanding their range. Alien arachnids include individual species belonging to many different families. We stress the absence of true invasiveness of alien arachnids in Europe. Some unusual adverse effects of alien arachnids were recorded, such as pollution of buildings. Frequency of painful biting and threat to native biota are low.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0199411