A Survey of the spider diversity on the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

Though many studies of the wildlife diversity on the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge have been carried out, there has never been a thorough study of the spider species occurring on the refuge. We wish to create a catalogue of the spider species occurring on the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in order to assist the Refuge with understanding the diversity of spiders in the area. Over a two year period, we have collected and identified spider species from the refuge using a variety of techniques. Our principal method has been the use of pitfall traps that have been placed in rural areas of the refuge as well as closer to areas that are frequently traveled by visitors. We have also utilized nocturnal collecting by use of spotlights and mercury vapor lights. Sweep netting has been carried out in densely grassy areas, and in the forests we have used beat sheets to knock spiders from branches. The spiders are then taken back to the lab where they are keyed out using the most up to date keys available. Experts are contacted to confirm identifications on species where the identity is uncertain. Specimens are mailed to the specialists and identification is made. Over the first two years of the project, we have identified almost 100 species of spiders from the refuge, and are continuing to work collecting and identifying. The project will continue over several years, and results are reported to the refuge manager yearly.