Two New Spider Species

Two New Spider Species Latest News

Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have officially documented two newly discovered spider species named Simonia lawbah and Hamataliwa papikonda from contrasting and highly specialised ecosystems in Meghalaya and Andhra Pradesh.

About Simonia Lawbah

• It is a new species of cave-dwelling ray spider.
• It was found inside Krem Lawbah Cave in Meghalaya. 
• It belongs to the Theridiosomatidae family, commonly known as Ray Spiders. It marks the first-ever record of the genus Simonia in India.  
• Measuring less than two millimetres, this tiny cave-dwelling spider is specially adapted to life in perpetual darkness. 
• Scientists describe it as troglophilic, meaning it thrives in cave environments while retaining the ability to survive outside them under suitable conditions. 
• Its most fascinating feature is the construction of an intricate cone-shaped “ray web.” 
  • These “ray webs” function like miniature slingshots, allowing the spider to launch its web at high speed to trap flying insects.

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About Hamataliwa Papikonda

• It is a new species of lynx spider.
• It was recorded in the mixed deciduous forest canopy of Papikonda National Park in Andhra Pradesh.
• It represents the first documented occurrence of the genus Hamataliwa in Andhra Pradesh.
• Measuring just under 5 mm, the yellow-bodied spider belongs to the lynx spider family Oxyopidae and is an active predator that does not build webs.
• Instead, it relies on speed, agility and its spiny legs to capture prey.
• It has a distinctive hexagonal arrangement of eight eyes, which helps it track and hunt insects with precision.

News: PIB