Web Spinning and Non-Spinning Spiders of Semi-Arid Agro Ecological Habitat of Agra region and their Role in Pest Control
Abstract
The spider fauna has a significant role in the agro-ecological system in the cultivable lands across the Agra region. The survey covered an area of 28.5 sq km, and the spider webs were collected by various sampling methods during the nocturnal and diurnal periods. A total of twenty-nine spider species belonging to nine families were collected for web spinning as well as non-web spinning spiders. During the period of nine months, which include the late summer, monsoon, and pre-winter seasons, Abundant web spinning spiders, predominantly from the family Araneidae, were widely spread, while the least number of spiders were found in the family Thomisidae. Individual web-spinning spider species of the Araneidae were predominantly represented by the genus Argiope sp, with a small representation by Miseumenavatia. The largest and strongest web is spun by the genus Neoscona sp and a fragile web by Uloborus. The largest web is spun individually by Neoscona and a group/community based on Cytrophora. The reduction in the number of ground-dwelling spiders is mainly due to the impact of the use of pesticides by farmers. The agro ecosystem of Agra is impacted by the large use of pesticides by the farmers. The cultivation of potato, wheat, and mustard in Agra. Produces 40% quantity of potato, wheat, and mustard in India and their cultivation seems to give better natural niche for spider than other field crops.
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