Edge effects and pitfall trap design influence spider diversity and assemblages in canola agroecosystems on the Canadian Prairies

Spiders (Araneae) are generalist predators in agroecosystems and may
contribute to biological control in canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa
L.). However, their diversity and community structure remain understudied
in the Canadian Prairies. To address this knowledge gap, we surveyed
spider assemblages in the Aspen Parkland region of Alberta, Canada, using
pitfall traps placed at field edges and interiors during the 2021 and 2022
growing seasons. In 2023, we tested pitfall trap modifications to
improve spider retention, evaluating: 1) trap diameter, 2) preservative
substrate (glass beads vs. propylene glycol), and 3)
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Fluon, a non-stick fluoropolymer) coated
trap interiors (to reduce friction and prevent escape). This was tested
across canola habitats adjacent to grass- or tree-dominated non-crop
habitat edges. The uploaded dataset contains all spider identifications
from 2021 to 2023.