The Distribution of Spiders and Mites up to 300 Ft. in the Air

Abstract

The distribution of spiders in the air up to about 300 ft. was investigated by trapping in nets flown from wireless masts at Tetney, Lincolnshire, during 1934 and 1935. The spiders, of which a full list is given, showed a fairly even distribution in the air, the majority being adult and immature Linyphiidae and the young stages Of other families. The largest numbers of spiders were found in the air When the temp. was above 64[degree]F, the rel. humidity below 60% and the wind velocity below 12 m.p.h., the last factor having apparently the greatest influence. The occurrence of mites, both free and on the bodies of insects, is also recorded.