Two new jumping spider species recorded in Meghalaya

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

The duo, Puthoor Pattammal Sudhin and Souvik Sen, described the species Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar in their study published in the latest issue of Zootaxa, a peer-reviewed scientific mega journal for animal taxonomists.

The study raised the number of jumping spider species known from India’s north-eastern region to 45. The country beyond has 282 more species belonging to Salticidae, the largest family of spiders distinguished by their sharp vision, agility and predatory behaviour that relies on precision leaps rather than web-building.

Asemonea dentis is the third known Indian representative of the genus Asemonea. It derives its name from a tooth-like projection on the male’s palpal femur, a unique morphological trait that aids in identification.

According to the study, the males of this species have a greenish-brown hue with a pale yellow V-shaped pattern on the abdomen, while females are characterised by a creamy white body marked with bold black designs.

Colyttus nongwar is the second Indian species recorded under the rarely documented Colyttus genus. It was named after Nongwar, a village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district, where it was found. Both males and females of this species share an oval, reddish-brown carapace and a light brown abdomen, featuring a creamy white front band followed by five distinct, chevron-shaped patches.

“These discoveries are just a glimpse of the exceptional biodiversity of north-east India. Very few systematic surveys have been conducted here, and many more species are undoubtedly waiting to be found,” Dr. Sen said.

ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee stressed the urgent need for expanded scientific exploration. “Findings like these underscore the importance of conducting extensive surveys in the northeast. Meghalaya’s forests, sacred groves and cliffs are irreplaceable ecological assets that demand protection,” she said.