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EXPLORATIVE STUDY ON THE DIVERSITY AND CHARACTERIST ICS OF SPIDER FAMILIES
VARSHA W WANKHADE & NARENDRA MANWAR
Department of Zoology, University of Pune, Pune, Maharashtra, India
ABSTRACT
The order Aranae deserves a special place in the study of ecology as it acts as a biological indicator.
The objectives of the present study were to explore the diversity and characteristics of spider families. The study was
conducted at Sawanga-Vithoba lake (Malkhed Project) district Amravati, Maharashtra India. In this study, by observing
the diversity of Spiders (Class Arachnida, phylum Arthropoda), efforts were made to evaluate the status of ecosystem of
Sawanga-Vithoba Lake (Malkhed Project) district Amravati, Maharashtra. In total 42 species of spiders belonging to 14
families were observed. Araneidae was the most represented family with 15 species. Area surrounding Sawanga-Vithoba
lake (Malkhed Project) Dist Amravati, Maharashtra, India represents 23.72 % of the total families recorded in India.
The high species diversity of spiders in Sawanga-Vithoba lake region can be attributed to the high diversity of plants and
insects. In totality, five different guilds of spiders were observed. 54% of spiders were orb web builders, 24% were foliage
runner. Ground runner and Ambusers were 8%, while scattered line weaver were 6%. Sawanga-Vithoba lake region
could be an important centre of speciation in Pohara forest of tahsil chandur railway dist Amravati. This is the first
report of the spider fauna from Sawanga-Vithoba lake region.
KEYWORDS: Aranae, Sawanga-Vithoba Lake, spider diversity, Malkhed Project, Araneidae
Received: Jan 29, 2016; Accepted: Feb 13, 2016; Published: Feb 16, 2016; Paper Id.: IJZRFEB20163
INTRODUCTION
India is rich in both flora and fauna and is a mega diverse country. Knowledge about the diversity,
distribution and abundance of spider in India is very sparse. Spiders are one of the most diverse groups of
organisms. Study of spiders as always remained neglected .They have, however, largely been ignored. Spiders
serve as bio-control agents (CIKS 2002). Spiders regulate the terrestrial arthropod population as they are important
predators (Reichert and Bishop, 1990; Coddington and Levi,. 1991)
Spiders are copious in number and are ecologically important in almost every terrestrial and
semi-terrestrial (wetland) habitat on Earth, from cold tundra and alpine ecosystems to tropical rainforests and
deserts. There are about 37000 identifies and described spider species which correspond to only a small number of
their total diversity (Adis and Harvey, 2000). Numbers often go beyond 100 per square meter, which is equal to 1
million spiders per hectare (Coleman and Crossley, 1996). Some species are found on the shores of the ocean and
some dive into ponds and streams in search of prey-members of one Eurasian spider family (Argyronetidae) even
live underwater in silken "diving bells" which they fill with air brought from the surface clinging to their hairy
abdomens. Spiders are found high up on Mount Everest, and some of the most northerly animals are spiders, as
well.
Spiders are among the most important predators in many ecosystems. Spiders are an important food
source for birds, lizards, wasps and other animals. Ground-dwelling spiders may be important in transferring
Original A
rticle International Journal of Zoology and Research (IJZR) ISSN(P): 2278-8816; ISSN(E): 2278-8824 Vol. 6, Issue 1, Feb 2016, 15-24 © TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.
16 Varsha W Wankhade & Narendra Manwar
Impact Factor (JCC): 1.9758 NAAS Rating: 2.59
energy directly from the below-ground detritus food wells to the above-ground terrestrial food webs of familiar birds,
reptiles, amphibians, and mammals (Johnston, 2000). Spiders are an important source of food for many birds, especially in
the winter (Peterson et al. 1989; Hogstad, 1984, in Skerl 1997). Spider silk is important to bird species for
nest building; 24 of 42 families of passerine birds and nearly all species of hummingbird depends on silk from spiders and
caterpillars for nest construction (Hansel 1993, Skerl 1997).
Spiders are omnipresent in terrestrial ecosystems, and few species occur in freshwater and marine environments
(Foelix 1996). To identify spiders on the basis of morphological characteristics are often tricky. Problems in arachnids
identification is also due to molting in many species which continue to and grow as adults, leading to gross size
differences. For example, some Nephilia males are twice the length of others (Cohn 1990). Species-level identifications are
only promising with adults by analyses of genital morphology.
Due to the scarcity of workers, much of the Arthropoda diversity in most of the parts of Maharashtra remains
unexplored. This may lead to the undocumented disappearance of many species. If any species go extinct, it will affect the
ecological balance, food chain, food web and further utilization of the species. Considering the importance of spiders in the
natural suppression of many insect pests and as bioindicators, urgent efforts are needed to understand their diversity.
The present knowledge of the spiders of Western Ghats remains confined to the works of Pocock (1895, 1899, 1900), Hirst
(1909), Gravely (1915, 1935), Jose and Sebastian (2001), Smith (2004), and Jose et al. (2006) tried to document the
diversity of spider fauna in and around Western Ghats but there is no work on spider at Sawanga-Vithoba lake
(Malkhed Project) area dist Amravati, Maharashtra, India
The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of spiders and its guild structure at Sawanga-Vithoba Lake
(Malkhed Project) ecosystem. This study is the first record of the spider fauna from this area. Though the study of spiders
from Sawanga-Vithoba Lake is still far from complete, the present study forms a basis for further investigations on this
group.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area
Study area of present work is in district Amravati. Amravati district is located in Maharashtra state of India
between 200321 and 210461 north latitudes and 760371 and 780371 and 760271 east longitudes (Khan, 2009) as shown in
fig.1. Sawanga-Vithoba lake also called as Malkhed Talav is located in Chandur Railway Tahsil of Amravati district. It is
surrounded by hilly area and dry deciduous forest (fig.2). This forest is rich in plant species such as Teak
(Tectona grandis), Khair (Acacia catechu), Palas (Butia monosperma), Salai, Neem (Azadirachta indica), Subabool
(Leucaena leucocephala), Calotropis procera, Zyzipus, Ficus plants etc. The catchment area of lake is 90 km2. The study
was conducted at Sawanga-Vithoba Lake (Malkhed Project) region during January 2011 to December 2011.
Explorative Study on The Diversity and Characteristics o
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Table 1: Morphological and geographical characteristics of Sawanga
Study Site Geographical Location
Sawanga-Vithoba Lake (Malkhed Project), dist-Amravati, Maharashtra Area about 90 km2
20’57’N and 77’57’E
Study Period
The present study was conducted from Jan. 2011 to Dec. 2011 at different study sites at Sawanga
(Malkhed Project), dist-Amravati, Maharashtra (Table
INDIA MAHARASHTRA AMRAVATI
Figure 1: Location of
Figure 2: Satellite photograph of
Study on The Diversity and Characteristics of Spider Families
Morphological and geographical characteristics of Sawanga-Vithoba Lake (Kasambe and Wadatkar, 2007)
Geographical Location
Habitat type
20’57’N and
The vegetation consist of both natural forest i.e. evergreen semievergreen, dry-deciduous, grassland and teak (Khair (Acacia catechu), Palas (Butia monospermaplantation
The present study was conducted from Jan. 2011 to Dec. 2011 at different study sites at Sawanga
Amravati, Maharashtra (Table-1).
INDIA MAHARASHTRA AMRAVATI
1: Location of District Amravati in India ( Khan, 2009
Satellite photograph of Sawanga- Vithoba lake, District Amravati
17
Vithoba Lake
The vegetation consist of both natural forest i.e. evergreen semi-deciduous, grassland and teak (Tectona grandis),
Butia monosperma), and Salai
The present study was conducted from Jan. 2011 to Dec. 2011 at different study sites at Sawanga-Vithoba Lake
INDIA MAHARASHTRA AMRAVATI
Khan, 2009)
District Amravati
18 Varsha W Wankhade & Narendra Manwar
Impact Factor (JCC): 1.9758 NAAS Rating: 2.59
Sampling Methods
Surveys were conducted in all season at different sites. Five 20x20 m quadrants were taken for extensive surveys.
All surveys were conducted in the morning hours between 7:00am to 11:00 a.m.
Spiders were collected by adopting standard sampling techniques as described below.
1. Sweep netting: Spiders from herbaceous-shrub-small tree vegetation was collected using Standardized insect
collecting net. 20 standard sweeps were employed per quadrant.
2. Beating sheets: Spiders from trees and woody shrubs were dislodged and collected on a sheet by beating trees
and shrubs with a standard stick. 10 beats per tree or shrub were employed in each quadrat.
3. Active searching and hand picking: Spiders from the trees, shrubs and ground were collected by this method. In
this method spider specimen were actively searched for 30 minutes per quadrant for searching under rocks, logs,
ground debris, and loose dead barks of trees etc.
Photography
Collected spiders were photographed and identified by the digital camera (Make –Sony Model no W-310) and
later were released into their natural habitat.
Identification
All specimens were initially separated from other material and identified to the family level using the taxonomic
keys for Indian spiders given by Tikader (1987) and Gajbe (2004). Few spiders were observed under stereo zoom
microscopes (model no. MS 24).
Environmental Variables
Structural attributes of vegetation were measured using 1m2 quadrant at each trap. Vegetation was classified into
ground layer (< 10cm), lower field (>50cm) and upper field layer (>50-200cm).
Guild Classification
Spider families used in the determination of guilds were those listed in the review of Young and Edwards (1990).
Designation of spiders was based on the ecological characteristics known for the family or a key species representing each
family (Gertsch and Riechert, 1976; Post and Riechert. 1977; Gertsch 1979; Young and Edwards ( 1990; Nyffeler and
Benz. 1987; Nyffeler et al 1992).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Total 42 species under 20 genera and 14 families (Table 2) were recorded during the 6 month survey at Sawanga-
Vithoba Lake region.
This area is rich in floral diversity. In our observation Araneidae is the most represented family with 15 species.
Various families of spider as Araneidae, Lycosidae, Oxypidae, Tetragnathidae, Eracidae, Thomicidae,
Theridiosomatidae, Clubionidae, Thirididae, Philodromidae, Pholcidae, Miturgidae, Salticidae and Gnaphosidae were
recorded.
Explorative Study on The Diversity and Characteristics of Spider Families 19
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Fifteen species with seven genera belonging to family Araneidae, 5 species belonging to family Oxypidae, 4
species belonging to family Tetragnathidae and Eracidae , 2 species each of family Thomicidae, Pholcidae, Salticidae and
Gnaphosidae , and one species belonging to each family Theridiosomatidae, Clubionidae , Thirididae, Philodromidae,
Miturgidae and family Lycosidae were recorded. Thus family Araneidae is the most dominant family exploring 37% of
species, second dominant family is Oxypidae with 12% species, families Tetragnathidae and Eracidae exhibit 10% species
, family Thomicidae, Pholcidae, Salticidae and Gnaphosidae reveal 5% of total species while other families display 2% of
the total species diversity. Distribution of different families of spiders at Sawang - Vithoba lake is illustrated in fig 3.
Figure 3: Percentile Distribution of Families of Spiders at Sawanga-Vithoba Lake
Guild Preference Exhibited by Spiders at Sawanga Vithoba Lake Region
Spiders at Sawanga Vithoba Lake exhibited a good diversity in guild preference. It was observed that in totality,
five different guilds of spiders were observed. 54% of spiders are orb web builders, 24% are foliage runner. Ground runner
and Ambushers are 8%.while scattered line weaver are 6%. Diversity exhibited by spiders of Sawanga Vithoba lake region
district Amravati Maharashtra for Guilds preference is shown in fig. 4.
Figure 4: Diversity in Guilds of Spider Fauna at Sawanga Vithoba Lake Region Dist Amravati Maharashtra
20 Varsha W Wankhade & Narendra Manwar
Impact Factor (JCC): 1.9758 NAAS Rating: 2.59
Family Diversity
Out of the 59 families recorded in the Indian region (Sudhikumar et al 2005), 14 families were observed at
Sawanga-Vithoba lake (Malkhed Project) area dist Amravati, Maharashtra India. This represents 23.73 % of the total
families recorded in India.
Species Richness
A total of 42 species are discovered from a limited area of 16 km2. This number is very high compared to other
regions like Andaman and Nicobar islands – 65 species, Sikkim – 55 species and Calcutta – 99 species (Tikader (1987),
Tikader 1977 and, Tikader and Biswas, 1981.
The above three studies were conducted over a period of one to two years while the present study was conducted
for six months.
Affinities
The present studies conducted at Sawanga-Vithoba lake (Malkhed Project) dist Amravati, Maharashtra, India
revealed that the spider fauna of this ecosystem bears affinities with the fauna of Melghat Sanctuary, Amravati and Spider
Fauna of Lonar Creature, Buldhana. Of about 1442 species reported from India (Siliwal et al. 2005), Recently, Vairale and
Vankhede, 2010 reported 517 spider species from Melghat Sanctuary. In total 42 species of spiders from Sawanga-Vithoba
lake (Malkhed Project) dist Amravati, Maharashtra, India was recorded. Thus high species diversity of spiders in this area
can be attributed to the high diversity of plants and insects. High plant diversity (Tectona grandis, Acacia catechu, Butia
monosperma etc) sustains a high faunal diversity by providing diverse microhabitat especially for invertebrates. There is no
previous work in this area regarding the diversity of spiders. This indicates the need for further study in this area. The
complex interaction of various climatic factors like rainfall, temperature availability of water source nearby may create
many smaller but diverse environmental niches in this area. The presence of diverse habitats like forests, bushes and sand
and water can make Sawanga (Vithoba) lake area an important centre of speciation.
Many environmental factors affect diversity of species (Rosenzweig, 1995). There is always correlation between
structural complexities of habitats and diversity of species (Hawksworth and Kalin-Arroyo 1995).Greater variety of habitat
types increases diversity ( Ried and Miller 1989). Structurally complex shrubs hold good spider diversity (Uetz 1991).
Spiders are sensitive to minute alteration in the structure of habitat such as habitat complexity, litter depth and
microclimate characteristics (Downie et al. 1999 and New 1999). Spiders generally have humidity and temperature
preferences that limit them to areas within the range of their “physiological tolerances” which make them ideal candidates
for land conservation studies (Riechert and Gillespie,. 1986).
Reporting and documenting diversity of spider in the present selected ecosystem can give important information
to justify the conservation of this ecosystem. Study of species richness is a good tool to assess habitat quality the
uniqueness of species compositions is important in establishing regional conservation priorities (Platnick 1991). This
Sawanga lake habitat has a diverse spider community and further research should be encouraged in this ecosystem.
However, to maintain and manage this high diversity biome other factors also needed to be identified. Factors at the
microhabitat scale, which may be important in influencing the diversity, have to be investigated.
Thus the existing data suggest that sawanga vithoba Lake could be rich centers in Vidarbha region of India.
Explorative Study on The Diversity and Characteristics of Spider Families 21
www.tjprc.org [email protected]
CONCLUSIONS
Sawanga-Vithoba lake (Malkhed Project) dist Amravati, Maharashtra, India is rich in spider diversity with 42
species belonging to 14 families. Family Araneidae is the most represented family. Spider fauna also exhibits good
diversity in guild structure with most represented guild as a web builder. Sawanga-Vithoba lake region could be an
important centre of speciation in Pohara forest of dist Amravati, India.
Table 2: Check List of Spiders at Sawanga-Vithoba Lake (Malkhed Project), Dist-Amravati, Maharashtra
Sr.No. Famiy Percent
abundance Species
1 Araneidae
37
Gasteracabtha sipnaensis nov. Vairalle Female
Neoscona sp. Female
Neoscona sp. Female
Neoscona sp. Female
Larinia sp. Female
Larinia sp. Female
Larinia sp. Female
Zygeilla sp. Female
Zygeilla sp. Female
Zygeilla indica Male
Neoscona sp. female
Neoscona sp. female
Neoscona sinhagadensis female
Cyclosa simony Female
Araneus sp. Female
2 Lycosidae 2 Arctosa littoralis Female
3 Oxypidae 12
Oxyopes sp. Female
Himataliwa sp. Female
Oxyopes pawani Female
Oxyopes sp. Female
Oxyopes sp. Female
4 Tetragnathidae 10
Leucauge decorata Female
Laucauge sp. Female
Leucage sp. Male
Tetragnatha mandibulata
5 Eracidae 10
Stegodyphus sp. Female
Stegodyphus sp. Female
Stegodyphus sp. Male
Stegodyphus sp. Female
6 Thomicidae 2 Thomisus sp. Female
Thomisus sp. Female
7 Theridiosomatidae 2 Theridiosoma sp. Female
8 Clubionidae 2 Clubiona sp. Female
9 Thirididae 2 Theredion sp. Female
22 Varsha W Wankhade & Narendra Manwar
Impact Factor (JCC): 1.9758 NAAS Rating: 2.59
Table 2: contd.,
10 Philodromidae 2 Philodromus sp. Female
11 Pholcidae 5 Pholcus sp. Female
Pholcus sp. Female
12 Miturgidae 2 Cheracanthium danieli Female
13 Salticidae 5
Phidippus sp. Female
Phidippus sp. Female
14 Gnaphosidae 5 hippasa sp. Female
Hippasa holmerae Female
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our special thanks to Director of ISRO-UoP for providing us financial assistance.
The authors are also thankful to The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Government of Maharashtra
for giving permission to conduct present study.
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