Functional diversity of epigeal spiders in the olive grove agroecosystem in northeastern Portugal: a comparison between crop and surrounding semi‐natural habitats

The olive grove agroecosystem (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae) is very important in terms of economy and culture throughout the Mediterranean region. In Trás-os-Montes (Portugal), groves are commonly surrounded by semi-natural areas consisting shrublands. Understanding role potential predators pests crucial to enhancing biological control sustainable agriculture. This study aimed investigate community structure ground-inhabiting spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) their surrounding shrublands Trás-os-Montes. We found that was dominated ground hunters such as Lycosidae Gnaphosidae. were more abundant than 2015 only, whereas Gnaphosidae both years (2015 2016). Hence, two habitats displayed a low complementarity spider families. shrubland could act reservoir refuge for pest biocontrol agents. Conservation may contribute natural limitation exerted agroecosystem. Nevertheless, further long-time species-level studies needed provide insights into enemies.