Population study of Meta menardii under the Carp River bridge.

Abstract

Between June 25 and August 9, 1966, an investigation of a spider population was conducted in fulfilment of requirements for Zoology 459 and NSF. The spiders are located, almost exclusively, beneath the M-31 bridge which crosses Carp River north of Levering (Emmet County T38N R4W S15). Over three hundred spiders of the species Meta menardii are occupants of the cement spans across this narrow, shallow stream. The population is, in a sense, a ""captive"" group and individuals are, in most cases, easily located, counted, or captured. The species carries on most summer phases of its life cycle in clear view on the cement spans and so is an ideal group for all types of observations. With endless possibilities available, it was necessary for the investigator to concentrate on a few phases of the biology of the species. The population dynamics of three bridge spans received special consideration, while a few other experiments were conducted to explore individual movement, population pressure and the general biology of the species.