Carrhotus Piperus

About Carrhotus Piperus:

• It is a new jumping spider species which was found on pepper (Piper nigrum) plants, about two metres above the ground.
• The specific epithet, ‘piperus’, is derived from the plant’s generic name, reflecting the spider’s distinctive habitat.
• This discovery again highlights the region’s rich biodiversity and brings the number of known Carrhotus species in India to 10, and to 37 globally. 
• Feature: The spider is distinguishable from its closely-related species by its unique prolateral protrusion and beak-shaped embolus, setting it apart from other members of its genus.

Key facts about Palani Hills

• It is an eastward extension of the Western Ghats, in southwestern Tamil Nadu state, southern India.
• The range is a continuation of the Anaimalai Hills in Kerala state. In the south the hills terminate abruptly in steep slopes.

Q1: Where is Western Ghats?

It is a mountain range (in a stretch of 1,600 Km) parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.

Source: New spider species discovered in Tamil Nadu’s Palani Hills