SpiderATLAS: A database of spider traits and distributions in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Aim Biodiversity shortfalls related to limited knowledge about geographic
distribution (Wallacean) and species traits (Raunkiæran) are extremely
common in many animal groups, and perhaps more evident in invertebrate
groups such as spiders. This lack of knowledge could present challenges
for researchers investigating the response and effects of spiders along
large spatial scales, particularly in the Global South. The aim of the
SpiderATLAS is to facilitate research that links macroecology,
biogeography, trait-based ecology, and global change biology. Location
Brazilian Atlantic Forest, spanning virtually the entire eastern coastline
of Brazil, encompassing 1,62 million km², 30 degrees of latitude (3° 42’
36” S to 33° 31’ 12” S), and 22 degrees of longitude (34° 50’ 24” W to 56°
45’ 0” W). Taxon Spiders (Class Araneae), including 1,648 species from 63
families. Methods We compiled the spatial distribution (i.e., occurrence
data) and data on morphological characteristics and derived traits for
spider species from species descriptions, taxonomic revisions, and
personal collection. Species occurrences were extracted from several data
sources spanning from the 1880s to 2023. Data on the morphological traits
of species were compiled from taxonomic and diversity inventory papers
published between 1833 and 2024. Results We provide 9,369 georeferenced
point locations and six morphological characteristics (body length,
prosoma length, prosoma width, prosoma height, femur I length, and patella
I length) and three derived traits (body size, body volume, and leg
length) for 1,648 spider species. Most data are available for females and
males. The dataset and code are available to download from Dryad, World
Spider Trait database, and the ZooTraits app. Main Conclusions The
SpiderATLAS can be useful to access information on distribution and traits
of spiders, contributing to development of macroecological,
biogeographical, and trait-based ecology. This dataset can also facilitate
the biodiversity conservation of one of the most abundant and important
arthropod predators on the planet, in a biodiversity hotspot.