Epigaeic spiders (Araneae) from three habitats at Stryn, Nordfjord, Western Norway

One year of pitfall sampling in (A) a narrow strip of vegetation (junipers, Rosa sp., small pines) close to a river bank, (B) a cultivated medium humid meadow and (C) a humid deciduous forest (Alnus) with some grass on the ground collected a total of 25, 48 and 32 species, respectively (in total 67 species). Shannon indices of general diversity (ln e) were 1.8, 2.1 and 3.1, respectively. The three sites shared only 9 species, 57% of all species were found in only one locality. Similarity indices were low, especially between loc. A and C. Linyphiidae and Lycosidae were dominant. The latter were scarce in loc. B and C but common at loc. A (Pardosa palustris and P. amentata together comprising 43.5% of total) and net building species more scarce. The local distribution, co-existence, ecological and habitat preferences, seasonal activity and body size of some common species are briefly discussed. For some species, aspects of geographical distribution are discussed.