Ecological insights into spider diversity and behaviour in Chhattisgarh: A review

Spiders, belonging to the order Araneae, represent one of the most diverse and ecologically significant groups of arthropods, playing critical roles in maintaining ecological balance as both predators and prey. Despite their ecological importance, regional studies on spider diversity and behavior remain limited in several parts of India, including the state of Chhattisgarh. This review consolidates current knowledge on the diversity, taxonomy, behavior, and ecological functions of spiders documented in Chhattisgarh across various habitats, including forests, grasslands, agricultural fields, and urban ecosystems. The review highlights the rich taxonomic diversity of spiders in the region, comprising over 220 species across 96 genera and 23 families, with prominent families such as Araneidae, Thomisidae, Salticidae, and Gnaphosidae being well represented (Choudhury et al. 2024; Nichat et al. 2025). Behavioral observations indicate a wide range of adaptations in web-building, foraging, mating, and diurnal/nocturnal activity patterns. Field surveys conducted using techniques such as sweep netting, pitfall trapping, visual inspection, and web mapping have revealed significant seasonal and habitat-based variations in spider community composition, strongly influenced by monsoon cycles and habitat structure (Kujur & Ekka, 2016; Gajbe, 2007). Additionally, the review discusses the vital role of spiders in natural pest regulation, contributing to ecosystem stability and offering potential applications in sustainable agriculture. Threats such as habitat destruction, pesticide exposure, and climate change are also examined, along with the urgent need for spider conservation initiatives and public awareness. Future research priorities include taxonomic revisions, molecular systematics, long-term ecological monitoring, and the exploration of spiders’ potential in biotechnology and pest management. By synthesizing available scientific literature and recent field reports, this review serves as a foundational resource for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers aiming to promote arachnid biodiversity research and conservation in Chhattisgarh.