SEASONAL-VARIATION IN SPIDER FAUNA FOUND IN FRUIT ORCHARDS OF BAJA-CALIFORNIA-SUR (MEXICO)

A study was conducted from March, 1992 to February, 1993 of the spider fauna and its seasonal variation in a mango and citrus grove in an ej ido in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Spider fauna was sampled 11 times/ month along a 50 m transect. A total of 1,699 spiders in 41 species we re obtained, of which 55% were wandering spiders and 45% were aerial w eb spinners. Most species collected belong to the families Theridiidae (19%), Araneidae (12%) and Salticidae (12%). The most abundant specie s were: Lyssomanes pescadero (28%), Wulfila immacullela (9%), Leucauge venusta (9%) and Uloborus glomosus (9%) The relative abundance of spi ders was higher from early fall to spring, and lowest during summer. B ecause of its abundance an its hunting behavior, L. pescadero should b e considered as a potential biological control of the Mexican fruit fl y, Anastrepha ludens.