Spider diversity (Arachnida: Araneae) in Atlantic Forest areas at Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A comprehensive survey of spider diversity in Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reveals a rich and likely underestimated biodiversity. The study recorded 14,626 spider specimens, representing 49 families and 373 species or morphospecies, including at least 73 undescribed taxa. Species accumulation curves suggest the park may harbor up to 468 species, significantly surpassing previous estimates from nearby areas like Tijuca National Park (308 species) and Marapendi Municipal Park (159 species). This research expands the known distribution range of 45 spider species while highlighting the Atlantic Forest's ecological significance as part of Rio de Janeiro's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings underscore the need for further exploration to fully capture this region's arachnid diversity.

Castanheira, P., Pérez-González, A., & Baptista, R. (2016). Spider diversity (Arachnida: Araneae) in Atlantic Forest areas at Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Biodiversity Data Journal, 4. https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.4.e7055