Change in the community of epigeal spiders and harvestmen (Araneae, Opiliones) was studied in an experimental apple orchard for six consecutive years. Five plots were surveyed by pitfall traps. Four of the plots were young (1–4 years)
one plot was older (15–20 years). The abundance of epigeal arachnids increased with the age on the young plots, while it was constant on the older plot. There were significantly more arachnids on the young plots than on the older one. In turn, the diversity was significantly lower on the young than on the older plots. Lycosidae, Phalangiidae and Tetragnathidae dominated the young plots. The older plots were richer in Agelenidae, Clubionidae, Dysderidae, Gnaphosidae, Linyphiidae, Pisauridae and Salticidae. Principal species of the young and older plots were identified using multivariate analysis.