Observations on the spider family Gnaphosidae (Araneae) in the nature reserve 'Oasis of Simeto' (Italy, Sicily)

New data on the Gnaphosidae fauna of the riparian nature reserve 'Oasis of Simeto' (Sicily - Italy) are presented. The specimens were collected by pitfall trapping over 13 months from May 1994 in different wetland environments, each characterised by a specific plant community. Among the species identified Poecilochroa furcata and Poecilochroa senilis are first records of the species in Italy, while Leptodrassus albidus, Haplodrassus macellinus hebes and Zelotes reconditus are first records for Sicily. Differences in both diversity and abundance of species and specimens are recorded for the environments investigated. Most species have a Mediterranean distribution.