The development of the database was initiated by a workshop held at the 21st International Congress of Arachnology in Christchurch, New Zealand. During this workshop, a core team was established to conceptualise, develop and test the database.
The WST database has been designed to contain trait data in a broad sense, from morphological traits to ecological characteristics, ecophysiology, behavioural habits, and more (see Lists – Traits for current bait of traits). The data includes individual measurements, observations, or composite characteristics, but exclude molecular data (such as DNA or protein sequences). Faunistic records are also
included if these contain reference to a species traits (e.g. habitat type), and there is an option for all records to be geo-referenced.
The database is linked with the World Spider Catalog and in future it shall be linked with catalogues of other orders. It has comprehensive search options and export capability. The entered trait records have been standardized, quality checked by authors, and approved by the editor.
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