Notes on the natural history of Aspidolasius bvanicki (Araneae: Araneidae) at Tinigua National Park, Colombia, with a revision of the genus

摘要

Preliminary observations on the natural history of the spider Aspidolasius branichi were made during January 1994 and October 1998 in a rain forest at Tinigua National Park, Colombia. The species constructed a triangular orb-web, consisting of very thick and sticky golden-hued silk, attached by the frame to three supports and lacking a secondary frame. Diptera and Hymenoptera constituted the most common insects observed caught in A. branicki webs. The species preferred shrubby vegetation and areas with small trees for the deployment of its web. The density of A. branicki differed significantly between different habitats and it was found mainly in mature and degraded forests. This is the first report of this species from Colombia.