Ecology of Arachnida alien to and spreading in Europe

Abstract: Synanthropy is an important factor facilitating spread and establishment of alien spiders, harvestmen and schizomids in Europe. Transportation, warm microclimate (mainly for overwintering of Mediterranean and tropical species) and food availability (e.g. attraction of insects to artificial light) are provided by human activities. Parthenogenesis is widespread among spreading and invasive arachnids.