Six new spider species discovered from across the country

Source: The post is based on the article “Six new spider species discovered from across the country” published in The Hindu on 19th October 2022.

What is the News?

Arachnologists from the Centre for Animal Taxonomy and Ecology(CATE) have discovered six new species of spiders from across the country.

What are the new spider species discovered?

Afraflacilla miajlarensis: It was discovered in the Thar desert of Rajasthan. It belongs to the family of jumping spiders (Salticidae). It is characterized by white fine hairs on a black head and black horizontal lines on the abdomen. This spider stays among dry leaf blades. 

Afraflacilla kurichiadensis: It was discovered from Wayanad, Kerala. It belongs to the family of jumping spiders (Salticidae). It is characterized by red patches around the eyes and white hairs on the abdomen. The bulged first pair of legs are also a special feature of this species. This spider lives in the moist deciduous forest of Kurichiyad.

Siamspinops garoensis: It was discovered in the Garo hills in Meghalaya. It belongs to the family of flat spiders, Selenopidae. This spider lives in the crevices of rocks on hills and its flat body is suitable for this mode of life. 

Philoponella rostralis: It was discovered in Kottappara hills near Kothamangalam, Kerala. The species lacks a venom gland and belongs to the family of feather- legged spiders (Uloboridae).

Oxyopes peetham: It has been discovered in Thumboormuzhi butterfly garden, near the Athirappilly waterfalls, Kerala. It belongs to the family of spiny-legged spiders (Oxyopidae). It is characterized by a yellowish body.

Oxyopes thumboormuzhiensis: It has been discovered at Calicut University campus, Kerala. It belongs to the family of spiny-legged spiders (Oxyopidae). It aims to signify the locality where the spiders were spotted.