Comparison of the Ground Surface and Foliage Dwelling Spider Communities in a Soybean Habitat 1

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Abstract
Two distinct spider communities existed in the soybean ecosystem, one on the ground and one in the foliage. There were 48 species in the ground community and 105 in the foliage community, with only 2 species being collected in both. Within either community no significant differences were found among fields in the number of individuals, species richness or evenness. Based on the method of prey capture and location within the habitat the species were divided into 7 guilds, 2 on the ground and 5 in the foliage. Differences between communities were due primarily to the habitats where they were found. The foliage habitat is transitory and must be colonized each spring and evacuated each fall. The ground surface habitat is more consistent in structure throughout the year allowing a more stable community to develop.

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