Species composition and diversity of spider (Arachnida: Araneae) in the northern forests of Armenia

ABSTRACT Spiders are an important component of terrestrial ecosystems, and researchers around the world are trying to capture metrics on spider biodiversity. In this study an exploratory survey and analysis of spider diversity was conducted in four provinces in Armenia (Tavush, Lori, Kotayk and Gegharkunik). A total of 98 species of spiders, belonging to 20 families and 67 genera, were discovered in this area. Among these, 13 species were identified as new to the Armenian fauna. Linyphiidae was the dominant family, represented by 27 species. A comparative study of species collected from northern forests revealed low degrees of endemism. This indicates that the Armenian forests are not isolated geographically from the South Caucasus in spite of their unique environmental conditions (being upland); thus, this ecosystem contributes a similar species composition in the area to that of the neighbouring fauna.