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VOL. 10, ISSUE 10 (2025)
Distribution and diversity of spiders as natural pest controllers in Sindewahi region, district Chandrapur, Maharashtra
Authors
P R Bhagade, U S Indurkar
Abstract
Spiders (Order: Araneae) are among the most abundant and
ecologically important predators in terrestrial ecosystems. They play a crucial
role as natural pest controllers by regulating insect populations in
agricultural landscapes. The present study was undertaken to assess the
distribution, diversity, and abundance of spider species inhabiting the
Sindewahi region of Chandrapur District, Maharashtra. Surveys were conducted
between September 2024 to February 2025 across major agricultural and
semi-natural habitats. Spiders were collected by hand-picking, sweep-netting,
and visual search methods. A total of 73 individuals belonging to 11 species
and 6 families were recorded. The families represented were Salticidae, Hersilidae,
Gnaphosidae, Scytodidae, Araneidae, and Tetragnathidae.
The dominant families in terms of both species richness and abundance were Araneidae
and Salticidae. The highest individual counts were observed for Nephila
pilipes (14), Tetragnatha extensa (10), and Argiope aemula
(12). The results indicate a moderately high spider diversity, suggesting that
spiders form a stable and ecologically significant predator guild in the
rice-based agroecosystems of Sindewahi. The study highlights their vital
contribution to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture in
the region.
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Pages:69-72
How to cite this article:
P R Bhagade, U S Indurkar "Distribution and diversity of spiders as natural pest controllers in Sindewahi region, district Chandrapur, Maharashtra". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 10, 2025, Pages 69-72
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