A Study of Spiders (Araneae) on Maple Trees (Acer Spp.)

We began this study to determine whether spider species occur randomly on maple species or whether they are selective in picking either their host species or their position on that host. Several papers have been published on habitat selection of spiders in relation to structural components or microclimate (Barnes, 1953; Barnes & ,Barnes, 1954, 1955; Cherrett, 1964; Duffey, 1962a. 1962b, 1966; Hackmann, 1957; Kuenzler, 1958; Norgaard, 1951). Duffey (1956) and Kuenzler (1958) also discussed the influence of microclimate on the activities of spiders. None of the above, however, dealt with arboreal spiders with the exception of Duffey (1956) who discussed aerial dispersal rather than habitat selection