Checklist of spiders from Vallakadavu range of Western Ghats, Kerala, India

Abstract

In the preliminary study conducted to document the spider fauna in Vallakadavu range, Idukki district, Kerala, a total of 33 species of spiders belonging to 29 genera from 12 families were recorded. Among the 12 families recorded, Araneidae was the most predominant with orb web weavers. From the guild analysis, the recorded families were categorized into seven principle types of web patterns.The study extends the range of  Poecilotheriastriata Pocock, 1895 in the state to the east.