Researchers Discover New Jumping Spider Species 'Pilia malenadu' in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka
A team of researchers exploring the Western Ghats has discovered a new species of jumping spider belonging to the Pilia genus at Madhugundi village in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. Named 'Pilia malenadu' to honor the region, this discovery is significant as the last species in this genus was found in Kerala roughly 123 years ago in 1902. The researchers identified 24 individuals, including males, females, and juveniles. The presence of such rare species indicates a healthy ecosystem but also highlights the habitat-specific nature of these spiders, which were found only on two specific plant species endemic to the region.
Key Points
- The new species Pilia malenadu belongs to the Pilia genus of jumping spiders, which has multiple species in one genus.
- This is the first time in 123 years that a species from this genus has been discovered in India.
- The discovery was made in the Western Ghats, specifically in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.
- The spiders appear to be habitat-specific, found only on Memecylon umbellatum and Memecylon malabaricum plants.
Exam Facts
- The last Pilia genus discovery in India was recorded in 1902.
- The discovery was published in the international journal Zootaxa.
- The species is named Pilia malenadu after the Malenadu region of Karnataka.
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