Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) from the vicinity of Araabath Lake, Chennai, India

Abstract

This study documents the spider fauna in the vicinity of a suburban lake (Araabath Lake) in Chennai. A total of 70 species of spiders belonging to 58 genera and 21 families were recorded. Seven species are endemic to India and six are endemic to India and Sri Lanka. Salticidae was the most dominant with 24 species belonging to 19 genera. Guild structure analysis revealed seven feeding guilds of which, stalkers and orb-web weavers were the dominant feeding guilds followed by ground runners and ambushers, respectively.