New findings and an updated checklist of Araneidae (Arachnida: Araneae) from Kosovo

In this paper, we provide additional data on the orb-weaver spider fauna (Araneae: Araneidae) of Kosovo. Three species are reported for the first time from this country: Araneus grossus (C.L. Koch, ۱۸۴۴), Argiope lobata (Pallas, ۱۷۷۲) and Cyclosa oculata (Walckenaer, ۱۸۰۲). In consideration of the findings and the updated checklist of Araneidae in this study, the documented number of spider species in Kosovo has now increased to ۲۵۱. Given that the spider fauna of Kosovo is still not fully explored, our study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing exploration to better comprehend the diversity of spider species within the region.

کلیدواژه ها:

Orb-weaver spider ، fauna ، diversity ، Balkan Peninsula