Spider richness in Kuttanad, a major low-lying rice agroecosystem in Central Kerala, India

Authors

  • Nishi Babu
     Department of Zoology University of Kerala.
  • G. Prasad
     Department of Zoology University of Kerala

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v123/i2S/2023/172544

Keywords:

Spider fauna, Paddy fields, Kuttanad, Biocontrol, Paddy pest.

Abstract

This study focused on the spider fauna of the rice agroecosystem around Kuttanad’s paddy fields and proximate areas.
The spider richness, abundance, and species composition between the rice agroecosystem and nearby surroundings
were assessed from July 2021 to April 2022. Pitfall trap and sweeping net were used to conduct monthly collection in
six sites: Edthuva, Champakulam, Veeyapuram, Kainakary, Moncompu, and Karuvatta. We collected only adult spiders
for identification. Edthuva represented the highest number of specimens, followed by Champakulam, Moncompu,
Karuvatta, Kainakary, and Veeyapuram. Representatives from 16 families were obtained, with Salticidae, Araneidae,
and Tetragnathidae being the most prevalent. Also, it was noted that the spider species in rice fields were typical, and
statistical analysis revealed a substantial variation in species composition between paddy fields and their nearby areas.
In addition to the species diversity, a closer look at the vertical distribution pattern of orb-web weavers belonging to
Tetragnathidae and Araneidae in paddy fields were also observed. The diversity indices indicate that the Edthuva and
Champakulam rice agroecosystem spider communities are more diversified than those in other locations.

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Published

2023-07-01

How to Cite

Babu, N., & Prasad, G. (2023). Spider richness in Kuttanad, a major low-lying rice agroecosystem in Central Kerala, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 123(2S), 535–542. https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v123/i2S/2023/172544

Issue

Volume 123, Issue 2S, Special Issue 2023

Section

Articles
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