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»Neretva Science Week 2023«
NATURA SLOVENIAE
vol. 27, no. 3 (2025): 114–122
Contribution to the knowledge of spiders (Araneae) of the 
upper course of the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Žan KURALT¹*,
Neža PAJEK ARAMBAŠIČ,²
Rok KOSTANJŠEK³
KRATKA ZNANSTVENA VEST /  
SHORT COMMUNICATION
1 Genialis d.o.o., Vojkova cesta 63, SI-1000 
Ljubljana, Slovenia
2 Faculty of Computer and Information 
Science, University of Ljubljana,  
Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
3 Biotechnical Faculty, University of 
Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101,  
SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
* Korespondenčni avtor /  
Corresponding author;  
E-mail: zan.kuralt@gmail.com
 
Izdatajelj/Issued jointly by: Biotehniška fakulteta Univerze v Ljubljani in Nacionalni inštitut za biologijo / Biotechnical Faculty at University of Ljubljana and 
National Institute of Biology 
Založila/Published by: Založba Univerze v Ljubljani/University of Ljubljana Press
ABSTRACT
The upper course of the Neretva River, located in the rugged landscapes of 
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), hosts a unique and largely unexplored eco-
system with significant biodiversity. This study aims to document the spi-
der (Araneae) species inhabiting this region, including the Neretva’s wider 
catchment area, Nevesinjsko polje, and the Vranjača cave. Using various 
sampling methods, we identified 84 spider species from 72 genera and 22 
families, with 50 (60%) species reported in BiH for the first time. Notable 
findings include the abundant Piratula knorri (Scopoli, 1763) (Lycosidae), 
and cave-dwelling species such as a region endemic Parastalita stygia 
(Joseph, 1882) (Dysderidae) and Lepthyphantes leprosus (Ohlert, 1865) 
(Linyphiidae). Our results emphasise the importance of this understudied 
region for spider biodiversity and underscore the need for ongoing research 
to enhance faunistic knowledge and inform conservation efforts in BiH.
IZVLEČEK
Prispevek k poznavanju pajkov (Araneae) zgornjega toka reke Neretve v 
Bosni in Hercegovini
Zgornji tok reke Neretve, ki leži v razgibani pokrajini Bosne in Hercegovine 
(BiH), je edinstven in v veliki meri neraziskan ekosistem z visoko biotsko raz-
novrstnostjo. Namen prispevka je dokumentirati vrste pajkov (Araneae), ki 
naseljujejo to območje, vključno s širšim porečjem Neretve in Nevesinjskim 
poljem ter jamo Vranjača. Z različnimi metodami vzorčenja smo ujeli 84 
vrst pajkov iz 72 rodov in 22 družin, pri čemer je bilo 50 (60 %) vrst prvič 
zabeleženih v BiH. Med zanimivejšimi najdbami gre omeniti vrsto Piratula 
knorri (Scopoli, 1763) (Lycosidae), ki je bila najštevilčnejša vrsta v obrež-
nem delu Neretve, in redke vrste, ki živijo v jamah, kot sta Parastalita 
stygia (Joseph, 1882) (Dysderidae) in Lepthyphantes leprosus (Ohlert, 1865) 
(Linyphiidae). Naši rezultati potrjujejo biotsko raznovrstnost pajkov v regiji 
in potrebo po nadaljnjih favnističnih raziskavah v BiH.
APSTRAKT 
Doprinos poznavanju pauka (Araneae) gornjeg toka rijeke Neretve u 
Bosni i Hercegovini
Gornji tok rijeke Neretve, smešten u neravnim pejzažima Bosne i Hercegovine 
(BiH), domaćin je jedinstvenih i uglavnom neistraženih ekosistema sa bogatim 
biodiverzitetom. Cilj ove studije je da dokumentuju vrste pauka (Araneae) koje 
naseljavaju ovaj region, uključujući šire područje sliva Neretve, Nevesinjsko 
polje i pećinu Vranjaču. Koristeći različite metode uzorkovanja, identifikovali 
smo 84 vrste pauka iz 72 roda i 22 porodice, od kojih je 50 (60 %) vrsta prvi 
put prijavljeno u BiH. Značajni nalazi uključuju brojnu populaciju vrste Piratula 
knorri (Scopoli, 1763) (Lycosidae), kao i vrste koje žive u pećinama, kao što su 
endemske vrste: Parastalita stygia (Joseph, 1882) (Dysderidae) i Lepthyphantes 
leprosus (Ohlert, 1865) (Linyphiidae). Naši rezultati naglašavaju značaj ovog 
nedovoljno proučavanog regiona za biodiverzitet pauka i podvlače potrebu za 
kontinuiranim istraživanjima kako bi se unapredilo znanje o fauni i naglasili 
napori za očuvanje prirode u BiH.
Prejeto / Received: 1. 11. 2024
Sprejeto / Accepted: 17. 6. 2025
DOI: 10.14720/ns.20096
Objavljeno na spletu / Published online: 22. 12. 2025
NATURA SLOVENIAE vol. 27, no. 3 (2025)
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KEY WORDS:
biodiversity, faunal survey, 
species inventory, spiders, 
Bosnia and Herzegovina
KLJUČNE BESEDE:
biodiverziteta, naravovarstvo, 
favnistična raziskava, 
inventarizacija vrst, pajki, Bosna 
in Hercegovina
KLJUČNE RIJEČI:
biodiverzitet, očuvanje 
prirode, istraživanje faune, 
inventarizacija vrsta, pauci, 
Bosna i Hercegovina
Figure 1. Collecting spiders using an aspirator in one of the gravel 
bars along the upper part of the Neretva River (photo: Neža Pajek 
Arambašič).
Slika 1. Selektivno vzorčenje pajkov z aspiratorjem na enem od 
prodišč zgornjega toka reke Neretve (foto: Neža Pajek Arambašič).
Slika 1. Selektivno uzorkovanje pauka aspiratorom na jednom od 
šljunkovitih sprudova gornjeg toka rijeke Neretve (foto: Neža Pajek 
Arambašič).
115NATURA SLOVENIAE vol. 27, no. 3 (2025)
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KRATKA ZNANSTVENA VEST / SHORT COMMUNICATION
INTRODUCTION
The upper course of the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina 
(BiH) harbors one of Europe’s most ecologically diverse yet un-
derstudied ecosystems. The region’s varied topography and 
microclimates support rich biological diversity, but its spider 
fauna remains poorly documented (EEA 2010).
Spiders (Araneae), serving as both predators and prey, play 
an important role in maintaining ecological balance in the 
ecosystem (Cardoso et al. 2011; Foelix 2011). Despite their cru-
cial role in food web dynamics and ecosystem integrity (Wise 
1995), there is a significant lack of data on the diversity and 
distribution of spider species in this area. An initial overview of 
the spider fauna of the former Yugoslavia, including Bosnia and 
Herzegovina, was provided by Nikolić & Polenec (1981), offer-
ing an early foundation for regional studies. Komnenov (2009) 
further advanced this work in BiH with the first contemporary 
checklist for the country. Later publications reported new or 
even endemic species in the region (Wunderlich 2011; Logunov 
2015; Bauer et al. 2020; Stanković & Ćurčić 2020) and expanded 
knowledge on subterranean species (Naumova et al. 2016). New 
species were added to the checklist as a result of revisions by 
group specialists (Bosmans 2009; Huber et al. 2021; Huber 2022; 
Castelluci et al. 2024).
Addressing this knowledge gap, our study maps the distribution 
of spider species along various points in the upper course of 
the Neretva River. Specimens were collected during the Neretva 
Science Week 2023, a field-based research expedition focused 
on biodiversity documentation in underexplored regions of 
Bosnia and Herzegovina. We documented numerous species – 
some recorded in this region for the first time – including in the 
wider Neretva catchment area, Nevesinjsko Polje, and the Vran-
jača Cave. These findings add to the limited knowledge of Bos-
nia and Herzegovina’s araneofauna and offer the basis for fur-
ther explorations of spider biodiversity patterns in the Balkan 
Peninsula. We aimed to highlight the importance of continued 
biodiversity research in underexplored regions like the upper 
Neretva River. A deeper understanding of these ecosystems is 
vital for their conservation and the sustainable management of 
natural resources in BiH and beyond (Russi 2013; MFTER 2016).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Specimens were collected during the Neretva Science Week 
2023 (2–7 June 2023), an interdisciplinary biodiversity survey 
organized in the Upper Neretva region. Sampling was conduct-
ed by a team of araneologists and volunteers across 17 locali-
ties using various field techniques, including selective collec-
tion with forceps or an aspirator (Fig. 1), round sweep nets, leaf 
litter sifters, and pitfall traps. The specimens were preserved in 
70% ethanol. The collected material was identified using sever-
al determination keys (Roberts 1995; Oger 2023; Nentwig et al. 
2024). Extraction, identification, preparation, and observation 
were carried out on site using light stereomicroscopes in an im-
provised lab in Ulog village and at the Department of Biology, 
Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana.
RESULTS
During the Neretva Science Week 2023, we collected 84 spi-
der species from 72 genera and 22 families (Tab. 2). For each 
species, we provide data on the collecting site, geographic 
latitude and longitude (WGS84), altitude in metres above sea 
level (a.s.l), date of collection, sampling method, and material 
provider (Legit). As the authors of this article, we conducted all 
species identifications (Tab. 1).
To support future research on the spider fauna of Bosnia and 
Herzegovina, we provide photographic documentation of the 
pedipalps and epigynes of selected specimens listed in Tab. 1. 
This material includes newly recorded species found at multi-
ple localities – likely widespread but previously overlooked – 
such as Mangora acalypha, Drassyllus villicus, Microneta viaria, 
Pardosa alacris, Pardosa prativaga, Piratula knorri, Phrurolithus 
festivus, Metellina mengei, and Euryopis flavomaculata (Figs. 
2a–r). It also features rarely recorded species associated with 
cave habitats, Lepthyphantes leprosus (Figs. 2s–2t) (Nentwig 
et al. 2024), and the Dinaric endemic cave species Parastalita 
stygia (Fig. 2u).
DISCUSSION
The spider fauna of BiH is poorly known as the national spi-
der checklist comprises only 182 species (Nentwig et al. 2024; 
WSC 2024). Based on the diverse climate, terrain, and habitat 
types, one would expect this number to be up to 10 times high-
er. As seen in Fig. 3, checklists of neighboring countries Croatia, 
Serbia, and Montenegro comprise 771, 773, and 287 species, 
respectively, and are, like the Bosnian, far from complete. Alto-
gether we identified 84 species from 72 genera and 22 families. 
Table 1. Localities where spiders were collected. Sampling methods’ abbreviations are: A – aspirator, F – forceps, LLS – leaf litter sifter, MT – 
moth trap, P – photo voucher, RSN – round sweep net.
Tabela 1. Lokacije vzorčenja pajkov. Kratice metod vzorčenja so: A – aspirator, F – pinceta, LLS – sejanje listne stelje, MT - past za nočne metulje, 
P - fotovaučer, RSN – okrogla lovilna vreča.
Tabela 1. Lokacije uzorkovanja pauka. Skraćenice metoda uzorkovanja su: A – aspirator, F – pinceta, LLS – sito za lišće, MT – klopka za moljce, 
P – foto vaučer, RSN – okrugla mreža za hvatanje.
Locality  
ID Description of the Locality
Lat. 
Long.
Altitude 
m a.s.l. Date
Sampling 
methods Legit
NSW01 meadow; Ulog; Ulog; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.416792°N
18.311152°E
651 m 2. 6. 2023 7. 6. 2023 F, A
N. Pajek Arambašič, 
Ž. Kuralt, A. Požrl
NSW02
river bank and riparian vegetation; 
Ulog; Ulog; Kalinovik; Upper 
Neretva
43.415693°N
18.314688°E
656 m 2. 6. 2023 F, A N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW03 riparian forest; Neretva; Cerova; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.37662°N
18.357438°E
692 m 3. 6. 2023 F, A N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW04 forest; Jablanići; Ulog; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.403599°N
18.333226°E
672 m 3. 6. 2023 LLS N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW06 wet meadow; Kladopoljsko jezero; Obalj; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.4169175°N
18.4265456°E
1388 m 2. 6. 2023 P N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW07 wet meadow; Ulog; Ulog; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.417381°N
18.310999°E
644 m 4. 6. 2023 RSN N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW08 gravel bar; Nedavić; Nedavić; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.460237°N
18.321882°E
607 m 4. 6. 2023 F, A
M. Zagmajster, E. 
Premate, A. Požrl,  
L. Trebše, T. Kepic
NSW09 meadow; Biograd; Nevesinje; Nevesinje; Nevesinjsko polje
43.1856583°N
18.1206417°E
835 m 5. 6. 2023 F, A, RSN N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW10 cave; Vranjača; Biograd; Nevesinje; Nevesinjsko polje
43.1862556°N
18.1152972°E
820 m 5. 6. 2023 F, A N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW11
river bank and riparian vegetation; 
Strujevina; Nevesinje; Nevesinje; 
Nevesinjsko polje
43.20111°N 
18.13361°E 857 m 5. 6. 2023 F, A
N. Pajek Arambašič, 
Ž. Kuralt
NSW12 bog; Sopilja; Nevesinje; Nevesinje; Nevesinjsko polje
43.3013083°N
18.1175361°E
841 m 5. 6. 2023 F, A, RSN N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW13 forest; Obrnja; Ulog; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.3906139°N
18.2767056°E
1210 m 5. 6. 2023 F, A, LLS N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW14 meadow; Budisavlje; Grabovica; Nevesinje; Nevesinjsko polje
43.219947°N
18.228212°E
855 m 5. 6. 2023 MT N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW15 cave; Čašica ; Tmuše; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.441546°N
18.326585°E
1072 m 5. 6. 2023 F, A N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW16 gravel bar; Trešnjevica; Ulog; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.44222°N
18.3067°E
634 m 6. 6. 2023 F, A N. Pajek Arambašič, Ž. Kuralt
NSW17 meadow; Jezero; Ulog; Kalinovik; Upper Neretva
43.41734°N
18.28943°E
820 m 6. 6. 2023 F, A A. Požrl
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Table 2. Species list of the examined spiders. New records for the fauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina are marked with an asterisk. For abbrevia-
tions of localities, see Tab. 1. Numbers next to gender symbols refer to the number of collected individuals.
Tabela 2. Seznam zabeleženih vrst pajkov. Prve najdbe za Bosno in Hercegovino so označene z zvezdico. Natančen opis lokalitet je v Tab. 1.  
V oklepajih je navedeno število in spol ujetih in določenih pajkov.
Tabela 2. Lista vrsta istraživanih pauka. Novi nalazi za Bosnu i Hercegovinu označeni su zvjezdicom. Detaljan opis lokaliteta dat je u Tab. 1. 
Brojevi pored simbola pola odnose se na broj sakupljenih jedinki.
No. Family / Species Localities
AGELENIDAE
1 *Eratigena agrestis (Walckenaer, 1802) NSW09 (1 ♀)
2 *Histopona torpida (C. L. Koch, 1837) NSW02 (1 ♀, 1 ♂)
AMAUROBIIDAE
3 *Amaurobius jugorum L. Koch, 1868 NSW04 (1 ♀)
ANYPHAENIDAE
4 Anyphaena accentuata (Walckenaer, 1802) NSW02 (2 ♀, 2 ♂), NSW03 (1 ♂), NSW16 (1 ♀)
ARANEIDAE
5 Aculepeira ceropegia (Walckenaer, 1802) NSW12 (1 ♂)
6 *Araneus triguttatus (Fabricius, 1775) NSW01 (1 ♂)
7 *Cyclosa conica (Pallas, 1772) NSW09 (1 ♀)
8 *Mangora acalypha (Walckenaer, 1802) NSW07 (1 ♀, 3 ♂), NSW09 (2 ♀, 1 ♂), NSW12 (1 ♀)
9 Nuctenea umbratica (Clerck, 1757) NSW01 (1 juv)
10 Zilla diodia (Walckenaer, 1802) NSW09 (1 ♀)
CLUBIONIDAE
11 *Clubiona similis L. Koch, 1867 NSW02 (2 ♀)
DICTYNIDAE
12 *Brigittea civica (Lucas, 1848) NSW12 (2 ♀)
13 *Brigittea latens (Fabricius, 1775) NSW07 (1 ♀)
14 Dictyna uncinata Thorell, 1856 NSW07 (1 ♀)
DYSDERIDAE
15 *Harpactea lepida (C. L. Koch, 1838) NSW13 (1 ♂)
16 Parastalita stygia (Joseph, 1882) NSW10 (1 ♂)
GNAPHOSIDAE
17 *Callilepis nocturna (Linnaeus, 1758) NSW09 (1 ♀)
18 *Callilepis schuszteri (Herman, 1879) NSW02 (1 ♀)
19 Drassodes lapidosus (Walckenaer, 1802) NSW01 (1 ♂), NSW02 (2 ♀, 2 ♂), NSW09 (2 ♂)
20 *Drassyllus villicus (Thorell, 1875) NSW02 (1 ♀, 1 ♂), NSW03 (1 ♀, 1 ♂), NSW04 (2 ♀)
21 *Haplodrassus signifer (C. L. Koch, 1839) NSW02 (1 ♀)
LINYPHIIDAE
22 *Agyneta rurestris (C. L. Koch, 1836) NSW11 (1 ♀)
23 *Crosbyarachne silvestris (Georgescu, 1973) NSW13 (1 ♀)
24 Diplocephalus cristatus (Blackwall, 1833) NSW10 (1 ♀)
25 Frontinellina frutetorum (C. L. Koch, 1835) NSW01 (1 ♀)
26 Lepthyphantes leprosus (Ohlert, 1865) NSW10 (1 ♀, 1 ♂), NSW13 (3 ♀)
27 *Microneta viaria (Blackwall, 1841) NSW03 (1 ♀), NSW13 (3 ♀)
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No. Family / Species Localities
28 *Midia midas (Simon, 1884) NSW13 (1 ♀)
29 *Oedothorax agrestis (Blackwall, 1853) NSW03 (4 ♀)
30 *Oedothorax apicatus (Blackwall, 1850) NSW02 (1 ♀)
31 Porrhomma convexum (Westring, 1851) NSW10 (2 ♀, 1 ♂)
32 *Sauron rayi (Simon, 1882) NSW04 (1 ♀)
33 Tenuiphantes flavipes (Blackwall, 1854) NSW02 (1 ♀), NSW03 (5 ♀), NSW13 (1 ♀)
34 *Trichoncus affinis Kulczyński, 1894 NSW02 (1 ♀)
35 *Trichopterna cito (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1873) NSW10 (1 ♀)
36 *Walckenaeria monoceros (Wider, 1834) NSW13 (1 ♀)
LYCOSIDAE
37 *Alopecosa pulverulenta (Clerck, 1757) NSW09 (2 ♀)
38 *Arctosa leopardus (Sundevall, 1833) NSW11 (1 ♀)
39 Arctosa maculata (Hahn, 1822) NSW02 (1 ♂)
40 *Pardosa agrestis (Westring, 1861) NSW07 (1 ♀)
41 *Pardosa alacris (C. L. Koch, 1833) NSW03 (1 ♀), NSW09 (3 ♀, 2 ♂)
42 Pardosa amentata (Clerck, 1757) NSW03 (2 ♀), NSW07 (1 ♀)
43 Pardosa hortensis (Thorell, 1872) NSW02 (5 ♀), NSW04 (1 ♀), NSW07 (1 ♀, 2 ♂), NSW09 (5 ♀)
44 Pardosa lugubris (Walckenaer, 1802) NSW02 (2 ♀), NSW03 (3 ♀, 2 ♂), NSW04 (4 ♀), NSW09 (3 ♀, 2 ♂)
45 Pardosa morosa (L. Koch, 1870) NSW02 (3 ♀), NSW03 (2 ♀)
46 *Pardosa prativaga (L. Koch, 1870) NSW11 (1 ♀), NSW12 (1 ♀)
47 *Pardosa proxima (C. L. Koch, 1847) NSW11 (1 ♀)
48 *Pardosa atomaria (C. L. Koch, 1847) NSW12 (2 ♂)
49 *Pirata piraticus (Clerck, 1757) NSW12 (2 ♀)
50 *Piratula knorri (Scopoli, 1763) NSW02 (1 ♀, 2 ♂), NSW03 (5 ♀, 7 ♂), NSW08 (1 ♀)
51 *Trochosa ruricola (De Geer, 1778) NSW01 (1 ♀)
NESTICIDAE
52 Nesticus cellulanus (Clerck, 1757) NSW02 (1 ♀)
OXYOPIDAE
53 *Oxyopes heterophthalmus (Latreille, 1804) NSW12 (1 ♂)
PHILODROMIDAE
54 Philodromus aureolus (Clerck, 1757) NSW01 (1 ♂)
55 *Philodromus margaritus (Clerck, 1757) NSW11 (1 ♂)
PHRUROLITHIDAE
56 *Phrurolithus festivus (C. L. Koch, 1835) NSW02 (1 ♀), NSW04 (1 ♂)
57 *Phrurolithus minimus C. L. Koch, 1839 NSW02 (1 ♀, 2 ♂)
PISAURIDAE
58 Pisaura mirabilis (Clerck, 1757) NSW07 (1 ♀, 1 ♂), NSW09 (1 ♂), NSW12 (1 ♀)
SALTICIDAE
59 *Attulus rupicola (C. L. Koch, 1837) NSW02 (4 ♀)
60 *Carrhotus xanthogramma (Latreille, 1819) NSW03 (1 ♂)
61 *Chalocoscirtus infimus (Simon, 1868) NSW09 (3 ♂)
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No. Family / Species Localities
62 *Euophrys frontalis (Walckenaer, 1802) NSW09 (1 ♂)
63 Evarcha arcuata (Clerck, 1757) NSW09 (1 ♀, 3 ♂), NSW12 (2 ♂)
64 Evarcha falcata (Clerck, 1757) NSW09 (1 ♂)
66 *Heliophanus dubius C. L. Koch, 1835 NSW09 (1 ♀)
66 Heliophanus flavipes (Hahn, 1832) NSW09 (2 ♂)
67 *Heliophanus patagiatus Thorell, 1875 NSW01 (1 ♂)
68 *Neon reticulatus (Blackwall, 1853) NSW03 (1 ♀)
69 Philaeus chrysops (Poda, 1761) NSW06 (1 ♂), NSW09 (1 ♀, 1 ♂)
SPARASSIDAE
70 Micrommata virescens (Clerck, 1757) NSW05 (1 ♀), NSW12 (1 ♂)
TETRAGNATHIDAE
71 Meta menardi (Latreille, 1804) NSW10 (1 ♀)
72 *Metellina mengei (Blackwall, 1869) NSW03 1 ♂), NSW07 (1 ♀)
73 Metellina merianae (Scopoli, 1763) NSW02 (1 ♀, 1 ♂), NSW03 (2 ♀)
74 Tetragnatha extensa (Linnaeus, 1758) NSW07 (1 ♂)
THERIDIIDAE
75 *Crustulina guttata (Wider, 1834) NSW04 (1 ♀)
76 *Euryopis flavomaculata (C. L. Koch, 1836) NSW02 (1 ♀, 2 ♂), NSW03 (1 ♂), NSW04 (2 ♀)
THOMISIDAE
77 *Diaea livens Simon, 1876 NSW07 (1 ♂)
78 Misumena vatia (Clerck, 1757) NSW17 (1 ♀)
79 Ozyptila praticola (C. L. Koch, 1837) NSW03 (2 ♂)
80 *Pistius truncatus (Pallas, 1772) NSW07 (1 ♂)
81 Synema globosum (Fabricius, 1775) NSW07 (7 ♀)
82 Thomisus onustus Walckenaer, 1805 NSW09 (1 ♂)
83 Tmarus piger (Walckenaer, 1802) NSW07 (1 ♀)
84 Xysticus kochi Thorell, 1872 NSW01 (1 ♀), NSW07 (4 ♀, 2 ♂), NSW09 (1 ♂), NSW12 (1 ♂)
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Figure 2. Ventral views of epiginae and lateral views of right pedipalps of selected species. Mangora acalypha epigyne (a) and pedipalp (b), 
Drassyllus villicus epigyne (c) and pedipalp (d), Microneta viaria epigyne (e), Pardosa alacris epigyne (f) and pedipalp (g), Pardosa prativaga 
epigyne (h), Piratula knorri epigyne (i) and pedipalp (j), Phrurolitus festivus epigyne (k) and pedipalp – ventral view (l), and pedipalp – lateral view 
(m), Metellina mengei epigyne (n) and pedipalp (o), Euryops flavomaculata epigyne (p) and pedipalp (r), Lephtyphantes leprosus epigyne (s) and 
pedipalp (t), and Parastalita stygia pedipalp (u). (Scale bars represent 100 µm).
Slika 2. Ventralni pogledi na epigine in lateralni pogledi na desne pedipalpe izbranih vrst. Mangora acalypha epigina (a) in pedipalp (b), Drassyl-
lus villicus epigina (c) in pedipalp (d), Microneta viaria epigina (e), Pardosa alacris epigina (f) in pedipalp (g), Pardosa prativaga epigina (h), Piratula 
knorri epigina (i) in pedipalp (j), Phrurolithus festivus epigina (k) in pedipalp – ventralni pogled (l), ter pedipalp – lateralni pogled (m), Metellina 
mengei epigina (n) in pedipalp (o), Euryopis flavomaculata epigina (p) in pedipalp (r), Lepthyphantes leprosus epigina (s) in pedipalp (t) ter Para-
stalita stygia pedipalp (u). (Merila predstavljajo 100 µm).
Slika 2. Ventralni prikazi epigina i bočni prikazi desnih pedipalpa odabranih vrsta. Mangora acalypha epigina (a) i pedipalp (b), Drassyllus villicus 
epigina (c) i pedipalp (d), Microneta viaria epigina (e), Pardosa alacris epigina (f) i pedipalp (g), Pardosa prativaga epigina (h), Piratula knorri 
epigina (i) i pedipalp (j), Phrurolithus festivus epigina (k), pedipalp – ventralni prikaz (l) I pedipalp – bočni prikaz (m), Metellina mengei epigina (n) 
i pedipalp (o), Euryopis flavomaculata epigina (p) i pedipalp (r), Lepthyphantes leprosus epigina (s) i pedipalp (t) i Parastalita stygia pedipalp (u). 
(Skala predstavlja 100 µm).
120NATURA SLOVENIAE vol. 27, no. 3 (2025)
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KRATKA ZNANSTVENA VEST / SHORT COMMUNICATION
Of these, 56 were collected in the Upper Neretva, and 37 in the 
Nevesinjsko polje and Vranjača cave. 50 (60%) of the identified 
spider species are new additions to araneofauna of BiH, which 
confirms the knowledge gap in the country and supports fur-
ther faunistic research in the region.
Piratula knorri (Scopoli, 1763) (Figs. 2i, j) was among the more 
frequently encountered species along the Neretva River. This 
wandering spider from the Lycosidae (wolf spider) family is 
strongly associated with riparian habitats, where it exploits 
surface tension to run across water and may even dive to pur-
sue prey. Its dependence on freshwater ecosystems makes it 
sensitive to habitat disturbance, which is reflected in its inclu-
sion on the Red List of Slovenian spiders (Polenec 1992). High-
lighting its presence in our survey underscores the ecological 
value and conservation relevance of intact riverine habitats in 
the region.
Figure 3. Venn diagram depicting comparison of spider species be-
tween Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighbouring countries according 
to Nentwig et al. (2024).
Slika 3. Vennov diagram števila vrst pajkov v Bosni in Hercegovini in v 
sosednjih državah po Nentwig et al. (2024).
Slika 3. Vennov dijagram broja vrsta pauka u Bosni i Hercegovini i 
susjednim zemljama prema Nentwigu et al. (2024).
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The visit to Vranjača cave proved to be very fruitful since, 
among others, we managed to collect Leptyphantes leprosus 
(Ohlert, 1865) (Figs. 2s, t), which is rarely found in natural hab-
itats according to the Spiders of Europe portal (Nentwig et al. 
2024). Moreover, we also collected Parastalita stygia (Joseph, 
1882) (Fig. 2u), an eyeless Dysderid spider, endemic to the Di-
naric region, in the cave.
These results are noteworthy, especially considering the short 
sampling period and unfavourable weather with daily showers. 
Spiders also differ in their annual cycles, meaning we missed 
spider species that reach adulthood in either early spring or 
late summer/early autumn. Long-term sampling throughout 
the year would yield even higher alpha diversity and uncover 
even more rare (possibly endangered) species.
The majority of species documented in this study represent 
taxa that are commonly found across Central and Southeastern 
Europe and are therefore expected to occur in Bosnia and Her-
zegovina. Their presence aligns well with these species’ known 
distribution patterns and habitat preferences, particularly in 
temperate forest and grassland ecosystems typical of the re-
gion. While the assemblage reflects a largely expected faunal 
composition, the findings provide valuable baseline data for 
future biodiversity assessments and monitoring efforts.
POVZETEK
V okviru projekta Neretva Science Week 2023 smo raziskova-
li pajke ozemlja zgornjega toka reke Neretve in širše okolice, 
vključno z Nevesinjskim poljem in jamo Vranjača v Bosni in 
Hercegovini. Vzorčili smo na sedemnajstih lokacijah (Tab. 
1), in ulovili ter določili 84 vrst pajkov, ki pripadajo 72 rodo-
vom in 22 družinam pri čemer je bilo kar 60 odstotkov prvič 
zabeleženih v Bosni in Hercegovini (Tab. 2). Tako visok delež 
novih vrst za državo kaže na pomanjkljivo poznavanje favne 
pajkov v BiH in izpostavlja pomen tovrstnih raziskav na tem 
razmeroma neraziskanem območju. Primerjava s favno paj-
kov sosednjih držav kaže precejšnjo diskrepanco, saj imata 
Hrvaška in Srbija po več kot 770 zabeleženih vrst, medtem 
ko je število doslej zabeleženih vrst v Bosni in Hercegovini 
le 182 (Sl. 3), kar je glede na raznolikost habitata in podneb-
nih razmer presenetljivo nizko. Z dolgoročnimi raziskavami 
bi bi zagotovo zaznali večje število vrst, predvsem tistih, ki 
odraslost dosežejo v zgodnji pomladi ali pozno poleti in je-
seni. Tovrstne raziskave bi prispevale k bolj podrobnemu 
vpogledu v vrstno sestavo in pestrost območja ter podprle 
bodoče naravovarstvene pobude in trajnostno upravljanje 
naravnih virov v Bosni in Hercegovini.
SAŽETAK
U okviru projekta Sedmica nauke Neretva 2023, istraživa-
li smo pauke iz gornjeg toka rijeke Neretve i šireg okolnog 
područja, uključujući Nevesinjsko polje i pećinu Vranjaču u 
Bosni i Hercegovini. Uzorkovali smo na 17 lokacija (Tab. 1), 
te uhvatili i identifikovali 84 vrste pauka koje pripadaju 72 
roda i 22 porodice, od kojih je 60 % prvi put zabilježeno u 
Bosni i Hercegovini (Tab. 2). Tako visok udio vrsta koje su 
nove u zemlji ukazuje na nedostatak znanja o fauni pauka 
u BiH i naglašava važnost takvih istraživanja u ovom rela-
tivno neistraženom području. Poređenje sa faunom pauka 
susjednih zemalja pokazuje značajnu razliku, jer Hrvatska i 
Srbija imaju po više od 770 zabilježenih vrsta, dok je broj do 
sada zabilježenih vrsta u Bosni i Hercegovini samo 182 (Sl. 
3), što je iznenađujuće malo obzirom na raznolikost staniš-
ta i klimatskih uslova. Dugoročna istraživanja bi sigurno 
otkrila veći broj vrsta, posebno onih koje dostižu odraslu 
dob u rano proljeće ili kasno ljeto i jesen. Takva istraživanja 
bi doprinijela detaljnijem uvidu u sastav vrsta i raznolikost 
područja te podržala buduće inicijative za očuvanje prirode 
i održivo upravljanje prirodnim resursima u Bosni i Herce-
govini.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Manuela Habe 
and the members of the Speleo group including Maja Zagma-
jster, Ester Premate, Tinkara Kepic, Annasibila Požrl and Liza 
Trebše, for their invaluable assistance in collecting specimens 
from the field. We also wish to thank the organizers of the re-
search expedition for their outstanding coordination and lo-
gistical support. Their dedication to facilitating biodiversity 
research in the Upper Neretva region was instrumental to the 
success of this project. The microscopic part of research was 
supported by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) funding 
to »Infrastructural Center Microscopy of Biological Samples« 
(MRIC UL, I0-0022-0481-08), at Biotechnical Faculty, University 
of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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