Seasonal Dynamics and Habitat Distribution of Spider Communities in Prayagraj

Abstract

Spiders (Order: Araneae) are significant generalist predators and are becoming increasingly recognized as useful bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. The present study is on species diversity and ecological importance of spider communities in two different habitats of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Dhoomanganj and Chandrashekhar Azad Park. Specimens were collected by hand picking, sweep netting and pitfall trapping and identified by morphological study using standard taxonomic references. In Dhoomanganj 10 families/304 persons were found while in Chandrashekhar Azad Park 4 families/37 persons were found. The diversity indices revealed that Dhoomanganj had higher species richness and evenness (Simpson’s Diversity Index = 0.933; Shannon-Wiener Index = 2.82) than Azad Park (Simpson’s Diversity Index = 0.72; Shannon-Wiener Index = 1.26). Lycosidae family was most dominant particularly in Dhoomanganj showing favourable microhabitat for the ground dwelling species. Presence of diverse ecological association in studied sites indicates structural and environmental complexity. The results confirm the usefulness of spiders as bioindicators of habitat quality and underline the necessity of preserving the green spaces of cities to maintain ecological balance. Further, this study provides baseline data on urban spider biodiversity of the Prayagraj region for subsequent ecological and conservation studies.