Study of the building inhabitant spiders in Cluj-Napoca

Scientific advisor: dr. Urák István, Associate Professor

Student: Párdi Katalin-Ildikó

At the global level, human population growth is one significant cause of environmental problems: destruction of natural ecosystems, increased rate of species extinction, and many natural ecosystems were transformed into human landscapes. However, a few species adapted to new conditions, to anthropogenic landscapes. Of this kind are the agrobiont and the building inhabitant spiders.

This study deals with the building-inhabitant spiders in Cluj-Napoca. The analysed material comprised of 14441 spider specimens, belonging to 98 species in 22 families. The dominant species was Pholcus phalangioides. The richest family in specimens and species was the family of cobweb spiders (Theridiidae). Analyzing the distribution of spiders in buildings, we found out that the great majority of the captured individuals lived in vault and attic. This can be explained by the fact that they are less disturbed here, and they find their prey easier, compared to other chambers. None of the identified species are dangerous to humans, but their web are not aesthetic.