Two New Species of Jumping Spiders Discovered in Meghalaya

Two scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified two new species of jumping spiders in Meghalaya.

• The findings were published in the latest issue of Zootaxa, a globally recognised peer-reviewed journal for animal taxonomy.

The Newly Discovered Species

• Asemonea dentis
  • Third known Indian species of the genus Asemonea.
  • Named for a tooth-like projection on the male’s palpal femur, a distinctive morphological feature crucial for identification.
• Colyttus nongwar
  • Second Indian species from the rarely documented Colyttus genus.
  • Named after Nongwar village in the East Khasi Hills district, where it was discovered.

Significance of the Findings

• With these additions, the number of jumping spider species in Northeast India rises to 45.
• India overall now has over 282 species belonging to the family Salticidae.

About the Salticidae Family

• Salticidae is the largest family of spiders in the world.
• Known for:
  • Sharp vision
  • Incredible agility
  • Predatory behaviour based on precision jumps rather than web-building
• Jumping spiders play important ecological roles as active insect predators.

Source: TH