Spiders (Araneae) community associated with Ixora coccinea L. (Gentianales: Rubiaceae) in Chiriquí, Panama

Abstract

Objective: To know the community of spiders (Araneae) associated with Ixora coccinea in Chiriquí, Panama. Methodology: Seven locations of the Chiriquí Province were visited, from the Districts of David, Boquerón, Bugaba and Barú; in a 60 km transect. Random monitoring was carried out in Ixora coccinea plants, resulting in a total of 215 m of living fence. The spiders were observed, photographed and identified through specialized literature. Additionally, a correlation analysis was performed between the length of the living fence and the numbers of species and spiders found during the study; in addition to calculating the Simpson diversity index. Results: In Coquito, a total of four spiders’ species were found, represented by 21 specimens of Micrathena sexpinosa (Hann, 1822) (Araneidae), seven of Leucauge venusta (Walkenaer, 1841) (Tetragnathidae), two of Salticidae and one specimen of Argiope argentata (Fabricius, 1775) (Araneidae). In David, eight specimens of Leucauge venusta and two of Gasteracantha cancriformis (L., 1758) (Araneidae) were observed. Leucauge venusta was the species found in five of the seven study locations, but Argiope argentata was the species found on the frontier with Costa Rica. No correlation was found between the length of the living fence and the number of spider species or specimens found. According to the Simpson index, the highest relative diversity was found in the Tijeras-Boquerón (1,00); while in Terronal-David, Santo Domingo-Bugaba and Paso Canoas-Barú, no diversity was found (0,00). Conclusion: The spiders community associated with Ixora coccinea in Chiriquí is represented by five taxa, including the species Micrathena sexpinosa, Leucauge venusta, Argiope argentata and Gasteracantha cancriformis. It is worthwhile to study the possible changes in this community in the future, in the face of anthropic pressure.