Arachnids Taxonomy Project

Authors:
Dr. Rohan Krishnan, Dr. Meera Iyer, Arjun Rao

Publication Year:
2025

Abstract:
The Arachnids Taxonomy Project aims to document and characterize the diversity of spiders, scorpions, harvestmen, and other arachnid groups across forest ecosystems of the Eastern Ghats. The study combines field surveys, morphological identification, specimen documentation, and DNA-based analysis to improve understanding of regional arachnid diversity and distribution.

Research Objective:
To establish a comprehensive taxonomic inventory of arachnid species and identify patterns of species distribution across different forest habitats.

Methodology:
Field surveys were conducted across forest patches representing different elevations, vegetation types, and levels of disturbance. Specimens were photographed and documented in the field before being examined using morphological taxonomic techniques. Selected specimens were subjected to DNA barcoding to support species identification and investigate potentially undescribed taxa.

Key Findings:

• More than 120 arachnid specimens were documented across surveyed sites.
• Several species showed strong associations with specific vegetation types and microhabitats.
• Morphological and molecular analysis helped distinguish closely related species.
• The project identified several records requiring further taxonomic investigation.
• Forest complexity appeared to support greater arachnid diversity.

Significance:
Arachnids play important roles in forest ecosystems as predators, decomposers, and indicators of ecological change. Building a reliable taxonomic record can strengthen biodiversity assessments and provide baseline information for future conservation and ecological monitoring programs.