First record of the exotic spitting spider Scytodes fusca (Araneae, Scytodidae) in Central Europe from Germany and Slovakia

Abstract

The spitting spider Scytodes fusca Walckenaer, 1837 is recorded for the first time in Central Europe from both Germany and Slovakia. The species was found in two localities, within the Botanical Garden in Bratislava (Slovakia), specifically from a heated greenhouse with high humidity, and the 'Tropical Islands', a tropical holiday resort in Krausnick (Germany). It seems that this Pantropical species has probably been introduced here along with imported plants. A description of diagnostic characters, as well as figures, is given.

Keywords

• artificial tropical ecosystem
• botanical garden
• first record
• introduced species