Water limitation prevails over energy in European diversity gradients of sheetweb spiders (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

摘要: Across large spatial scales, species richness in many taxa is mainly determined by climatic variables. However, some of the mechanisms behind large-scale patterns and abundance are expected to act on community level, a smaller scale than resolution data commonly used for deriving these patterns. We studied distribution sheetweb spiders (Araneae: Linyphiidae) across Europe using both standardised samples from local habitats inventories. In first approach, we analysed individual numbers pitfall traps 17 locations distributed northern Sweden Spain Greece. also calculated Simpson indices correct different activity densities. Additionally, whether diversity sensitive habitat type. second investigated known spider European countries islands. datasets, reached maximum at about 551N declined towards Mediterranean Arctic. addition, decreased western (maritime) eastern (continental) regions. Also showed hump-shaped relation latitude, was only variable influenced contrast diversity, density increased monotonously with latitude. Towards north, likely limited energy availability, south, water limitation as well bottom-up top-down interactions may reduce spiders. Accordingly, their does not follow pattern vertebrates, insects aquatic organisms, which depend more strongly availability.