Seasonal Variation and Habitat-wise Distribution of Spider Fauna in the Campus of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahavidyalaya, Shrigonda

Pratiksha S Dhavale, Rhushikesh S Suryawanshi

Abstract: The present study assessed seasonal and habitat-wise variation in spider fauna across the Botanical Garden, Lake area and Agricultural Field of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahavidyalaya, Shrigonda, Maharashtra. Observations were recorded during summer 2025, monsoon 2025 and winter 2025-26. A total of 756 individuals representing 12 provisionally identified taxa or morphotypes were documented. Monsoon showed the highest abundance with 366 individuals (48.41%), followed by summer with 229 (30.29%) and winter with 161 (21.30%). The Agricultural Field supported the highest abundance with 324 individuals (42.86%), followed by the Botanical Garden with 283 (37.43%) and the Lake area with 149 (19.71%). Lycosa sp. was the dominant taxon, followed by Hogna sp., Oxyopes shweta and Plexippus paykulli. The Botanical Garden showed the highest diversity and evenness, while the Agricultural Field was dominated by active hunting spiders. The Lake area supported a distinctive aquatic-associated morphotype. The findings indicate that season, vegetation structure, moisture and habitat complexity influence spider assemblages. As the study was based on pooled encounter counts, the results provide baseline descriptive information for future standardised biodiversity monitoring and taxonomic verification.

Keywords: Araneae, Spider diversity, habitat association, seasonal abundance, spider assemblage

How to Cite?: Pratiksha S Dhavale, Rhushikesh S Suryawanshi, "Seasonal Variation and Habitat-wise Distribution of Spider Fauna in the Campus of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahavidyalaya, Shrigonda", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 245-250, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26701170332, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26701170332

Download Citation: APA | MLA | BibTeX | EndNote | RefMan