Vertical distribution of epigeic spiders (Araneae) in mountain

The study was carried out to investigate the vertical distribution of epigeic spiders at mountain during 2007 to 2008. Study site was Mt. Sobaek (1,439m elevation) located in Punggi-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, one of the 16 National Parks in Korea. Spiders were collected by pitfall traps which were installed at 437m, 757m, 1,100m and 1,420m elevations. A total of 298 individuals were collected in 2007 and 21 species were identified in 20 genera and 11 families, and 248 individuals in 2008 were identified 34 species were identified in 27 genera and 12 families. Species richness, abundance and diversity in the family level showed heterogeneity between 757m (a coniferous forest) and 1,100m (a broadleaf forest) in both years. Those in species level in 2007 were similar to family level, but not in 2008. Similarity upon elevations was classified as 2 groups in 2007 and 3 groups in 2008. Indicator family and species were diverged at 757m as Cybaeidae and Cybaeus triangulus, and Theridiidae and Stemmopes nipponicus respectively.