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Source- This post on Asceua tertia has been created based on the article ”New ground-dwelling spider species discovered in Western Ghats” published in “The Hindu” on 12 August 2024.
Why in News?
Asceua tertia is a newly identified species of ground-dwelling spider, discovered in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats in India.
About Asceua tertia
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The newly discovered Asceua tertia belongs to the genus Asceua, which is part of the ant-eating spider family Zodariidae. 2. It is the third species of the Asceua genus to be documented in India |
| Characteristic features | 1. They are distinguished by their small size and compressed bulbs. 2. Asceua tertia varies in size, with males measuring 2.54 mm and females 3.2 mm. |
About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. It was established in 1984.
2. It spans an area of approximately 171 square kilometers and is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.
3. It features a mix of evergreen and deciduous forests, along with rolling hills, streams, and rivers, creating a lush and diverse landscape.
4. The fauna of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary includes tigers, gaurs, elephants, sambar deer, sloth bears, as well as various butterfly species like the Malabar Raven, Malabar Banded Swallowtail, and Red-disc Bushbrown.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
