A Key for Identification of Spiders at Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt

Abstract

Spiders are one of the more diverse arthropod taxa, ranking seventh in global diversity, which makes them a fascinating group to study [1]. The correct identification of many spider species is considered problematic due to complex variation in morphology [2]. The Egyptian spider fauna are incompletely known due to scarcity of studies on this group especially in Upper Egypt. So, the present key for identifying terrestrial spiders at Qena Governorate is a part of a comprehensive study conducted at the region to study the ecology and taxonomy of this group. The present key was designed to facilitate identification of terrestrial spiders at Qena Governorate using their morphological characteristics. Samples of spiders were collected during a period of one year (from February, 2012 till January, 2013) from six different sites covering Qena governorate. Qena (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26) 0 N, 32-50 0 E) is located at Upper Egypt about 600 Km south of Cairo and 60 Km north of Luxor and 260 Km west of the Red Sea. Climate of Qena is hot, dry in summer and cold in winter. It rarely rains. Also, it receives a large quantity of solar radiation; especially in summer. Sampling methods of spiders included hand picking, sweep net and pitfall trap. Survey results revealed the occurrence of 14 families that included 23 genera and 23species. The present key for the collected families and species was designed and illustrated using taxonomic characteristics of each species.

Taxonomical Studies on Terestrial Spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) at Assiut Governorate, Egypt

“…All of the recorded families in this research were recovered in the present study except family Oxyopidae. Whereas, 8 families: Dysderidae, Dictynidae, Eresidae, Filistatidae, Liocranidae, Pisauridae, Sicariidae, Titanoecidae and Uloboridae were recorded in the present study did not show in [30] survey. [31].…”

“…Whereas, 8 families: Dysderidae, Dictynidae, Eresidae, Filistatidae, Liocranidae, Pisauridae, Sicariidae, Titanoecidae and Uloboridae were recorded in the present study did not show in [30] survey. [31].…”

“…Recently, [30] revealed the occurrence of 14 families that included 23 genera and 23 species of spiders at Qena Governorate, Egypt which is relatively close to the area of this study. All of the recorded families in this research were recovered in the present study except family Oxyopidae.…”

Molecular investigation on Iranian widow spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus based on DNA barcode analysis

“…Investigators suggest that morphological identification of spiders could be confirmed by molecular methods [20,21]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular study on spiders in Iran and this would be a base for future alternative studies like assessment of the human protection against the specific Iranian L. tredecimguttatus anti-venom.…”

Taxonomical Study of Spiders (Order, Araneae) from Different Localities of Iraq

“…The Egyptian spider fauna is incompletely known due to scarcity of studies on this group, particularly in Upper Egypt. So, the key for identifying terrestrial spiders at Qena Governorate is a part of a comprehensive study conducted in the region by Obuid-Allah et al (2015). Fauna of Arabia mainland and Yemen which defined by Knoflach and Harten (2002).…”