Gariaband: The presence of two significant spider species has been discovered in the biodiversity-rich forests of Chhattisgarh. During research conducted in the Rishijharan forest—located in the Devbhog area of Gariaband district—two species of web-building spiders were identified: Steatoda cingulata and Theridula gonygaster. Notably, this marks the first scientific record of both species in Chhattisgarh.
According to the researchers, this also represents the first documentation of their respective genera, Steatoda and Theridula, within the state. This discovery is considered a significant step toward understanding the diversity and geographical distribution of spiders in Chhattisgarh.
During the study, both species were collected by hand from the Rishijharan forest area in the Devbhog region of Gariaband district—a forest situated near the border of Odisha. The study provides a detailed account of the physical structure and identifying characteristics of both spiders.
The distinct physical features of each species allow them to be easily distinguished from one another. Steatoda cingulata has a dark, chocolate-colored abdomen with a yellow line visible on its anterior (front) section. In contrast, Theridula gonygaster possesses a dark, blackish abdomen marked by five distinct yellow spots.
Researchers note that the documentation of web-building spider species in Chhattisgarh has been limited until now. Consequently, the discovery of these two species will expand the existing scientific knowledge regarding the state’s biodiversity. Furthermore, this study will prove valuable for future research concerning the identification, classification, and distribution of spiders.
This discovery once again highlights the rich biodiversity present within the forest regions of Chhattisgarh and opens new avenues for the scientific study of spiders in the state.
