New Spider Species Found in Northeast India
A team of researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has discovered new spider species from Northeast India, including two new to science and two reported for the first time in the country. These findings highlight the region’s rich, underexplored arachnid diversity and the importance of continued biodiversity research.
A team of researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, has recently made an exciting contribution to the world of arachnology with the discovery of four new spider species from Northeast India. Among these, two species are entirely new to science, while the other two are reported for the first time from India. These findings shine a light on the region’s diverse yet often overlooked arachnid fauna, underscoring the significance of ongoing biodiversity research in one of the planet’s most ecologically rich and critical hotspots.
The new spider species discovered include Psechrus chizami, found in Nagaland, and Psechrus nathanael, discovered in both Nagaland and Meghalaya. The first species takes its name from the town of Chizami, the site of its discovery, while the latter species is named in honour of Nathanael PA Newmai for his steadfast support throughout the fieldwork. These additions bring the total number of Psechrus species recorded in India to seven, highlighting the country’s still largely unexplored arachnid diversity.
Spiders in the Psechrus genus are noted for building slightly dome-shaped sheet webs with tube-like retreats, often tucked away in crevices, rock gaps, or nestled beneath tree roots. What makes these newly identified species particularly interesting is their unique genital morphology, setting them apart from other members of the genus. This new spider species discovery has been detailed in the latest issue of the journal Zootaxa, further cementing the region’s place on the map of important arachnological research.
But that’s not all—Dr. Souvik Sen, Dr. Sudhin PP, and Shouvik Mali, who formed the research team, also recorded two other spider species, Pardosa tuberosa and Thiania abdominalis, from a relatively undisturbed area in Meghalaya. These species have been reported for the first time from India, adding another layer of excitement to the findings. These discoveries have been published in the Records of the Zoological Survey of India.
Pardosa tuberosa, a species of wolf spider, is particularly sensitive to environmental changes. Its declining population is an early warning sign of habitat degradation, making it a valuable bio-indicator of ecosystem health. On the other hand, Thiania abdominalis, a striking jumping spider with its light reddish-brown cephalothorax and creamy yellow abdomen adorned with bold black bands, uses its agility and sharp vision to hunt, rather than relying on webs. This spider plays an important role in natural pest control, making it a helpful ally in maintaining ecological balance.
Dr. Souvik Sen, the lead researcher of the study, expressed his enthusiasm for the discovery, saying, “This is a significant discovery, not only because we found two new species and two new records, but also because it highlights the largely untapped potential for further biodiversity research in these areas. As we continue to explore these diverse ecosystems, we may uncover many more species that are yet to be documented.”
Echoing his sentiment, ZSI Director Dr. Dhriti Banerjee remarked, “This discovery is just the beginning, and further surveys will be conducted in the unexplored corners of the Northeastern region as the biodiversity here is unparalleled. There is still a lot that is yet to be discovered. With continued investigation, we hope to unravel the faunal mysteries that lurk amidst the forested hills of Northeast India.”
In short, this exciting discovery not only adds to the growing list of species found in the region but also emphasises the vital need for ongoing research in Northeast India. As the team has shown, the region’s ecosystems are brimming with hidden biodiversity, waiting to be explored and understood. It’s clear that the more we delve into these areas, the more we are likely to uncover—a true testament to the boundless wonders of nature that remain just beyond our grasp.
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