Biodiversity, guild structure and vertical stratification of spiders in soybean ecosystem

Abstract

A total of 238 individuals of 14 families viz., Amaurobiidae, Araneidae, Clubionidae, Gnaphosidae, Linyphiidae, Lycosidae, Miturgidae, Oxyopidae, Philodromidae, Salticidae, Thomisidae, Pisauridae, Scytodidae and Hersiliidae of spiders were found in Kharif 2018. The highest number of individuals was found of family, salticidae (37) followed by Thompisidae (35). There were 6 guilds viz., Orb weavers, Stalkers, Sheet webs, Ambushers, Ground runner and Foliage runner were found of spiders based on identified spider families. The highest number of individuals belong to the Ground runner guild (60) followed by Ambushers (58). The spiders of soybean ecosystem were divided into 5 vertical strata viz., 60 cm based on their activity and foraging behaviours with respect of relative height of soybean plant. Lycosidae, Gnaphosidae, Linyphiidae, Amaurobiidae Hersiliidae and Salticidae were abundantly present at Hersiliidae > Pisauridae were abundantly presented at 16-30 cm height. Araneidae was abundantly presented at 46-60 cm and >60 cm height. This research will prove very fruitful for identification, conservation and enhancement of spiders of soybean ecosystem and explore the potential of spiders in biological control.