A contribution to the knowledge of the Araneae (arthropoda, arachnida) of the Maritime Alps, northern Italy

Samples of Araneae were collected between May and September of 2003 and 2004, using multiple capture techniques, at two sites near Colle di Tenda, within a protected area of the Maritime Alps, that is characterized by many botanical and entomological endemisms. Forty-six species of Araneae belonging to 12 families were identified. The presence of 7 of these species had never been previously reported in Piedmont. The increase of altitude determines a reduction in the number of species. The annual cycles of 5 species are described.