Habitat predicts whip spider group size

What is it about?

This research shows that groups of whip spiders show a preference for trees with large, complex buttresses. These buttresses provide increased surface area and habitat complexity that may be important for maintaining whip spider groups.

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Why is it important?

The research is among the first to study any species of whip spider in their natural environment. It provides insight into whip spider conservation and the importance of old growth forests. Furthermore, the paper develops a framework for estimating a Buttress Complexity INdex (BCI) and buttress surface area for future ecology research.