Dolomedes indicus

Dolomedes indicus Latest News

In the evergreen rainforests of the Western Ghats, researchers recently identified a new species of spider named Dolomedes indicus.

About Dolomedes indicus

• It is a new species of spider.
• It was discovered in the evergreen rainforests of the Western Ghats, in the Wayanad district of Kerala.
• It marks the first time a spider of the Dolomedes genus, commonly known as raft or fishing spiders, has been described in India. 
  • Unlike the common house spiders that wait passively in webs, Dolomedes indicus is an active, semi-aquatic predator that uses the water’s surface tension to its advantage. 
  • These spiders rest their legs on the water to detect the tiny vibrations from struggling insects or small fish, then launch themselves across the surface to capture prey with lightning speed. 
  • They are also capable swimmers and divers. 
• The new species is distinguished by specific physical traits, particularly in males, which sport a striking snow-white marking running from their faces down to the centre of their backs. 
• Females are larger and greenish-brown, allowing them to blend perfectly with the mossy rocks and foliage along the stream banks.
• It appears to be highly sensitive to its environment, thriving only in pristine, cool waters under a forest canopy.
• It could serve as a vital indicator species, helping conservationists monitor the health of freshwater ecosystems.

Source: RM

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