Diversity of Spider Fauna in Lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.)

The spider fauna of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) was studied at Anand district, Gujarat during summer of 2000 and 2001. A total 2943 specimens of spiders were collected comprising of 61species belonging to 37 genera and 12 families. Using quadrate sampling method, 48 species belonging to 29 genera and 10 families were collected, whereas, in pitfall trap, 35 species belonging to 25 genera and 10 families were collected. Thirty-two species were common in both the collection methods whereas, 16 species were exclusively found from the quadrate method and three (3) species were exclusively recorded from pitfall trap. Additional 10 species were recorded from general collection from the other lucerne fields. Araneidae was the largest family qualitatively followed by Thomisidae and Salticidae. Overall species richness, diversity index and evenness were almost same during both the years. During both the years, species richness and diversity indices showed increasing trend up to harvesting.