Haploclastus Nilgirinus

Haploclastus nilgirinus is an elusive Nilgiri large burrowing spider and a venomous species of tarantula.

Haploclastus Nilgirinus

About Haploclastus Nilgirinus:

  • It is an elusive Nilgiri large burrowing spider and a venomous species of tarantula.
  • It is endemic to the Nilgiris hills of Western Ghats.
  • It shows sexual dimorphism, the males are much smaller than the females.
  • Threats: It is threatened by the illegal trade in wildlife as well as by climate change,

 

What is a Tarantula? 

  • Tarantulas are a type of large, hairy spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae.
  • There are over 900 species of tarantulas found all over the world, except for Antarctica.
  • They move slowly on their eight hairy legs, but they are accomplished nocturnal predators.
  • Adult tarantulas average five inches (13 centimeters) long. When spread out, their leg span is up to 11 inches (28 centimeters).

 

Key facts about Nilgiri Hills

  • These hills are part of the Western Ghat mountain range and run across the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
  • The peaks of the Nilgiri rise abruptly from the surrounding plains to an elevation of about 6,000–8,000 feet one of them, Doda Betta (8,652 feet ) is the highest point in Tamil Nadu.
  • The hills are separated from the Karnataka Plateau (north) by the Noyar River and from the Annamalai and Palni hills (south) by the Palghat Gap.
  • They are considerably cooler and wetter than the surrounding plains, the upper hills forming undulating grassy downs. 

 


Q1) What is the significance of Palghat Gap?

The Palghat Gap, also known as the Palakkad Gap or Palghat Pass, is a low-lying natural mountain pass in the Western Ghats of India. It serves as a crucial geographic corridor that connects the southern part of the Indian state of Kerala with the Coimbatore district of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.

Source: Tarantula endemic to the Nilgiris could be under threat from habitat loss, climate change: Researchers

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on July, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
Prelims PowerupTest Series
Prelims PowerupTest Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now