The Mediterranean-Pontian Argiope bruennichi (Scopoli, 1772) in Poland – overview of traits favouring range expansion

Due to climate warming the distribution of Southern European species has extended to the north in recent years. Currently, Argiope bruennichi (Scopoli, 1772) is distributed over the whole territory of Poland. Data on the current distribution of A. bruennichi in Poland and on its occurrence over the years from the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and from the zbioryprzyrodnicze.web.amu.edu.pl database were analysed. Records and habitat preferences by the wasp spider especially in the northernmost parts of Poland were discussed. Observing colonization by the the Mediterranean-Pontian species the areas located to the north of the native distributional region provides a unique opportunity to understand traits that facilitate its range expansion. The study is also a collection of traits that facilitate range expansion of the wasp spider.