Araneae.it 2.0: the new updated version of the digital catalog of the Italian Spiders and other Arachnids (Arachnida: Araneae, Opiliones, Scorpiones, Pseudoscorpiones, Palpigradi, Solifugae)

Abstract

We present Araneae.it 2.0, the updated and expanded digital platform for documenting the Italian spider fauna. The catalog currently includes 1,735 species, with taxonomic data aligned with the World Spider Catalog (Version 26). Distribution maps are now available at regional and provincial levels for all species, and at point-based resolution for endemics, aliens and other relevant species with an indication of the coordinate precision. Although georeferencing is still in progress, at the time of publication, major improvements in spatial resolution are given for 219 species—comprising 154 endemics/sub-endemics, 22 alien, and 43 species of conservation concern, of medical interest or of limited occurrence. This online resource provides a solid foundation for future assessments of extinction risk, as well as for evaluating biodiversity and knowledge levels of spiders—and to a lesser extent, other arachnids—in Italy, with particular emphasis on Italian endemic spider species. Moreover, it supports the ongoing development of a comprehensive trait database, which will enable ecological and conservation-focused studies on Italian arachnids. These efforts will enhance our capacity to assess species vulnerability, analyze functional diversity, and guide evidence-based conservation strategies for the Italian arachnid fauna.