Abstract: Spiders are one of the more diverse arthropod taxa, ranking seventh in global diversity, which makes them a
fascinating group to study [1]. The correct identification of many spider species is considered problematic due to complex
variation in morphology [2]. The Egyptian spider fauna are incompletely known due to scarcity of studies on this group
especially in Upper Egypt. So, the present key for identifying terrestrial spiders at Qena Governorate is a part of a comprehensive
study conducted at the region to study the ecology and taxonomy of this group. The present key was designed to facilitate
identification of terrestrial spiders at Qena Governorate using their morphological characteristics. Samples of spiders were
collected during a period of one year (from February, 2012 till January, 2013) from six different sites covering Qena governorate.
Qena (15-260
N, 32-500
E) is located at Upper Egypt about 600 Km south of Cairo and 60 Km north of Luxor and 260 Km west
of the Red Sea. Climate of Qena is hot, dry in summer and cold in winter. It rarely rains. Also, it receives a large quantity of solar
radiation; especially in summer. Sampling methods of spiders included hand picking, sweep net and pitfall trap. Survey results
revealed the occurrence of 14 families that included 23 genera and 23species. The present key for the collected families and
species was designed and illustrated using taxonomic characteristics of each species.