India is home to an astonishing array of spider species, ranging from the iconic Indian ornamental tarantula to the diminutive but agile jumping spiders. With over 2,000 documented species and countless more awaiting discovery, the country boasts one of the richest spider diversities in the world. Each species has carved out its niche, adapting to specific environmental conditions and playing a vital role in the intricate web of life.
Beyond their often misunderstood reputation, spiders serve as crucial regulators of insect populations, preying upon pests that would otherwise wreak havoc on crops and vegetation. Their predatory prowess helps maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems, preventing the unchecked proliferation of insect populations that could disrupt food chains and ecosystem dynamics.
Moreover, spiders act as indicators of environmental health, their presence and abundance reflecting the overall well-being of ecosystems. Changes in spider populations can signal shifts in habitat quality, pollution levels, and climate patterns, making them valuable bioindicators for conservation efforts.
Gallery of spiders of India
Adanson’s House Jumper Hasarius adansoniAnepsion maritatumAnt-mimic Sac Spiders Genus CastianeiraAraneoid Spiders Superfamily AraneoideaArgiope taprobanicaAsian Hermit Spider Nephilengys malabarensisAsian Hermit Spider Nephilengys malabarensisBanded Phintella Phintella vittataBrettus cingulatusBrushfooted Trapdoor Spiders Family BarychelidaeCarrhotus viduusCarrhotus viduusCarrhotus viduusCarrhotus viduusCarrhotus viduusCommon Housefly Catcher Plexippus petersiChrysilla volupeColopsus manuCommon Web-Spider Neoscona theisiCrab Spiders Family ThomisidaeCrowned Lynx Spiders Genus HamataliwaDecorative Vleispider Leucauge decorataEntelegyne Spiders Infraorder EntelegynaeEumenophorine Baboon Spiders Subfamily EumenophorinaeFishing Spiders Genus DolomedesGarden Orbweavers Genus ArgiopeGarden Tent-web Spider Cyrtophora cicatrosaGasteracantha dalyiGenus CarrhotusGenus ChalcotropisGenus HeligmomerusGenus OedignathaGenus ProszynskiaGenus PseudopodaGenus Sason – brush footed trapdoor spidersGenus StenaelurillusGiant Golden Orbweaver Nephila pilipesGiant Golden Orbweaver Nephila pilipesGolden Huntsman Spiders Genus OliosGrass Cross Spider Argiope catenulataGrass Lynx Spiders Genus OxyopesGray Wall Jumping Spider Menemerus bivittatusGreen Grass Crab Spiders Genus OxytateHeavy-bodied Jumper Hyllus semicupreusHuntsman Spiders Family SparassidaeHuntsman Spiders Family SparassidaeIndian Cooperative Spiders Stegodyphus sarasinorumIndian Green Lynx Spider Peucetia viridanaIndian Green Lynx Spider Peucetia viridanaJolly Telamonia Telamonia festivaLean Lynx Spider Oxyopes macilentusLeucauge tessellataLong-jawed Orbweavers Family TetragnathidaeLong-jawed Orbweavers Family TetragnathidaeMasked Crab Spider Thomisus labefactusNeoscona mukerjeiNeoscona vigilansOrange-and-black Pear Spider Leucauge fastigataOriental Spiny Orb-Weaver Gasteracantha geminataOriental Spiny Orb-Weaver Gasteracantha geminataOrnamental Tree Trunk Spider Herennia multipunctaOval Saint Andrew’s Cross Spider Argiope aemulaOval Saint Andrew’s Cross Spider Argiope aemulaOxyopes sertatusOxyopes sertatusPantropical Huntsman Spider Heteropoda venatoriaRed Weaver Ant-mimicking Spider Myrmaplata plataleoidesShort-bodied Cellar Spider Physocyclus globosusSignature Spider Argiope anasujaSignature Spider Argiope anasujaSlender Crab Spiders Genus TibellusnSpiders Order AraneaeSpiny Trapdoor Spiders Family IdiopidaeStretch Spiders Genus TetragnathaSubtribe PlexippinaTailed Araneid Spiders Genus EriovixiaTailed Cellar Spider Crossopriza lyoniTetragnatha hasseltiThin-legged Wolf Spiders Genus PardosaThyene imperialisTwo-tailed Spiders Genus HersiliaTypical Orbweavers Subfamily AraneinaeWasp-mimic Jumping Spider Rhene flavicomansWasp-mimic Jumping Spider Rhene flavicomansWhite Lynx Spider Oxyopes shwetaWolf Spiders Family Lycosidae.Ghost Ornamental Tarantula – Poecilotheria.sp.Haploclastus kayi – Parambikulam large burrowing spider
