A Faunistic Study of Spider (Arachnida: Araneae) in Jahangirnagar University campus

Abstract

An experiment was performed in Jahangirnagar university campus to make a checklist of spider fauna from March, 2013 to February, 2014. Total 116 spider species under 11 families viz, Araneidae, Clubionidae, Lycosidae, Oxyopidae, Pholcidae, Salticidae, Sparassidae Tetragnathidae, Theridiidae, Thomsidae and Uloboridae were recorded during study period. Spiders were collected using hand picking and beating sheet method. In beating method, all studied spider families were found but in hand picking method family Lycosidae and Thomsidae were absent. Beating method was considered more suitable than hand picking because in hand picking and beating method, 40.9% and 59.03% spider species were collected respectively. This study is the baseline information over the ecology, importance of spider species. The rich floral and faunal diversity of Jahangirnagar University campus is the key to build the healthy habitats of different species. This experiment will also aid to work for the preservation of the species and postulate the hidden benefits in them.