Spiders in Rice: A Research Review

Spiders are least explored non-chemical alternative in insect-pest control. Spiders are often confused with other long-legged insects and mistakenly feared as poisonous. This book provides an introduction to the spiders covering its physical characteristics, behaviour and physiology, neurobiology, reproductive characteristics, habits, habitats, prey, relationships to human beings and various challenges faced in rice cropping with special emphasis on its insect pests and role of spiders as an effective biocontrol agent. Along with as a biocontrol agent, spiders also act as an important detrivores agent and play an important role in food web and overall ecology of the rice field. Spiders are described with simple text and full-colour illustrations. With indiscriminate use of pesticides, spiders are facing threat and populations are decreasing reducing its pest control ability. Hence, there is urgent need to conserve this generalist predator by providing artificial shelters, promoting bio-rational control methods and restricting use of chemicals in the rice fields. This book is an asset for students, teacher and researchers of plant pathology, agronomy, entomology, zoology, crop protection as well as person engaged in spiders in rice