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Summary 1. Ecological field studies dealing with invertebrates are regularly applied, often using various special kinds of traps within a relatively intensive trapping program. During such programs, large amounts of bycatch – animal material not needed for the original scientific aim of the study – are collected. 2. We discuss general aspects about the handling of such bycatches. Given that the potential utility of bycatches from trapping programs can be immense, we strongly advocate a more thorough handling of the bycatch material than is currently typically practised. 3. Ways for an efficient transfer of bycatches between taxonomic experts have to be established. Problems concerning labelling as well as concerning costs and space for storage have to be solved to facilitate adequate management of the collected material.

The present study provides a robust data set for ecological planning and conservation of dry ecosys- tems in western Germany in general and North Rhine-Westphalia in particular. We summarised all available data from recent publications that dealt with spiders in dry ecosystems of North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, so far unpublished results of a detailed investigation regarding spiders in sand habitats of the Westphalian Bay that was conducted between 2006 and 2008 are presented. The analysis focussed on the habitat types according to Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive and related habitats. The investigation areas were scattered in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The data set comprised a total of 84436 individuals from 371 species and 28 families. Overall, an endangerment status is assigned to 68 species. Of these, 12 spiders are in imminent danger of becoming extinct. Two species, Erigonoplus globipes and Meioneta simplicitarsis, are believed to be extinct in North Rhine-Westphalia. Seven species (Dictyna major, Mastigusa arietina, Micaria formicaria, Styloctetor romanus, Thanatus striatus, Theridion uhligi and Xysticus ferrugineus) are new to the arachnofauna of North Rhine-Westphalia. In Germany, dry ecosystems, such as nutrient-poor sandy grasslands, dry heaths and semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substra- tes are highly endangered (RIECKEN et al. 2006) and are listed in Annex I of the European Habitats Direc- tive as priority habitat types (BALZER & SSYMANK 2005). Due to increasing cultivation, especially during the past 50 years, and the lack of disturbance (drif- ting sand, grazing, fire) the area of dry ecosystems has decreased considerably in northern and western Germany (DRACHENFELS 1996, VERBUCHELN & JOBGES 2000, JENTSCH et al. 2002, KRATOCHWIL

Spider of the year 2001 and 2002: Argiope bruennichi and Pisaura mirabilis

In a survey of 1,5 years, the daily activity pattern of epigeic spiders was recorded in a xerothermic habitat in the Diemeltal near Marsberg. The correlation between vegetation-structure, daily activity pattern and the hunting type of the spiders is discussed.

Spider of the Year 2000 and 2001 Argyroneta aquatica and Argiope bruennichi.

Spider of the Year 2009

First record of Erigonoplus globipes (L. Koch, 1872) (Araneae: Linyphiidae) from North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany)

A list of european parasitic flies (Diptera) and their prey is presented. The Hippoboscidae: Melophagus ovinus (Linnaeus, 1758) is described as an accidental parasite of Alopecosa striatipes (C.L. Koch, 1837). 24 species of parsitic flies and 20 spider host species are listed.

From Pisaura mirabilis (2002) to Pholcus phalangoides (2003). The Spider of the year is going on.

Nachdem 2003 ein „graues Mäuschen“ die Spinnen in Deutschland erfolgreich vertreten hat, startete 2004 mit Micrommata virescens einer der buntesten Vertreter, um bei der Bevölkerung für Sympathie für die Spinnen zu werben.

book review: Structural and phenological adjustments of epigeic spiders (Araneae) to limestone grasslands in the area of Marsberg.

European Spider of the Year 2007

Mit der letztjährigen Spinne des Jahres, der Zebraspringspinne Salticus scenicus (Jäger & Kreuels 2005) wurde ein Weg beschritten, Europa arachnologisch zu einen. Ziel war es, möglichst viele Länder bei der Wahl einer europäischen Spinne des Jahres zu beteiligen. 2006 hat die Spinne des Jahres diesen Weg erfolgreich weiter verfolgt.

book review: Oliver-D. Finch (2001): Zönologische und parasitologische Untersuchungen an Spinnen (Arachnida, Araneae) niedersächsischer Waldstandorte

working group

book review: Sciene Press, Beijing, China: Fauna Sinica Arachnida: Araneae

book review: Frieder Sauer und Jörg Wunderlich: Die schönsten Spinnen nach Farbfotos erkannt

book review: R. Forster & L. Forster: Spiders of New Zealand and their worldwide kin

editorial: book reviews, address changes

Diversa