Microhabitats of Pholcid Spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) in Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological and Techno-Demo Center, Imbayao, Bukidnon, Philippines
By: Eddie P. Mondejar, Olga M. Nuñeza
Key Words: Broad-leaf, Leaf-litter, Rock crevice, Spathiphyllum sp., Species-specific.
J. Bio. Env. Sci. 8(2), 44-52, February 2016.
[Generate Certificate]Abstract
This study was conducted in Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological and Techno-Demo Center, Brgy. Imbayao, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. The study aims to determine the microhabitats of pholcid spiders. Using Cruising method combined with visual search, pholcid spiders were searched on the underside of broad-leaf plants, buttresses, between rock and rock crevices, fallen logs, forest floor litter, and other possible microhabitats. Fourteen microhabitats were identified. Leaf litter and understory plant were the most species-rich with moderate diversity of pholcid spiders. High species richness of pholcid species was found between the paired microhabitats of bamboo sheath and understory plant, with degree of complementarity or distinctness value of 100%. This indicates that pholcid spiders tend to be more species-specific in the selection of microhabitats.
