AUTHOR=Wirth Alexander , Schulemann-Maier Gaby TITLE=Updated distribution of Zoropsis spinimana (Dufour, 1820; Araneae: Zoropsidae) in Germany and novel insights into its ecology based on a citizen science survey JOURNAL=Frontiers in Arachnid Science VOLUME=3 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/arachnid-science/articles/10.3389/frchs.2024.1383339 DOI=10.3389/frchs.2024.1383339 ISSN=2813-5083 ABSTRACT=

In Germany, Zoropsis spinimana (Dufour, 1820) is an introduced, likely synanthropic spider species. Here, we report the results of a nationwide mapping appeal conducted by the citizen science platform NABU-naturgucker.de, used to assemble live distributional data for the species in Germany. With the help of media interest in this species, we gathered a valuable dataset and a large image gallery of the species. In just five weeks, we received more than 15,000 records, representing a 2.3-fold increase in occupied territory compared to previous knowledge. By analyzing the data in detail, we obtained novel insights into the ecology and eco-geography of Z. spinimana in Germany, including information on prey, coloration, potential predators, altitudinal distribution and temporal appearance, along with two cases of accidental human translocation.