Quantifying How Natural History Traits Contribute to Bias in Community Science Engagement: A Case Study Using Orbweaver Spiders

Abstract

Online citizen science platforms can be crucial to the scientific and regulatory community, but inherent biases based on organism traits can influence the likelihood of a species being reported and accurately identified. We explored how traits of orb weaving spiders impact data in iNaturalist, using the invasive Jorō spider as a case study. This species is an outlier among orbweavers due to its large size and bright coloration, and was the most frequently reported species, with the most identifications and research-grade observations. It was also reported by less experienced users on average, highlighting its potential role as a gateway species into community science participation. This bias towards large, flashy orbweaver species suggests underrepresentation of smaller, drab species. Given the increasing importance of open access digital biodiversity records, we encourage researchers to engage more with the iNaturalist community and contribute their expertise in improving the data quality wherever possible.

Keywords

• araneidae
• community science
• invasive species
• jorō spider
• trichonephila clavata