First Record of Araneus nox Spider in India’s Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

A recent monsoon survey in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, recorded the first-ever sighting of the spider species Araneus nox in India. Previously, this orb-weaving spider was known only from Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. Known for its beautiful circular web and a leathery-textured abdomen, it is also called the “Leathery Garden Orb-weaver.” During the survey, 81 spider species were recorded, but the discovery of Araneus nox is a significant addition to India’s arachnid diversity, highlighting the country’s wildlife habitats as safe havens for rare and new species.