What is Ligdus Garvale?

About Ligdus Garvale:

• It is a new species of jumping spider.
• It was found in Garvale village of the Kodagu district, Karnataka, which is surrounded by agroforestry, with coffee plantations being prominent along with pepper and paddy fields.
• It marks only the second recorded instance of the Ligdus genus in 129 years.
  • The first, Ligdus Chelifer, was reported from Myanmar by Thorell in 1895.
• Ligdus Garvale was discovered under the leaf of a torch ginger plant and bears a resemblance to Pseudoscorpions.
• Due to its nature as a high canopy jumper, it often goes unnoticed and constructs a double-layered web for retreat.

What are Jumping Spiders?

• Jumping spiders are the largest family of spiders, with more than 6,380 species (family Salticidae).
• They are known for their ability to jump and pounce upon their prey. 
• They are very common in the tropics, but some also live in northern and even Arctic regions.
• Features:
  • They range in size from 2 to 22 mm (0.08 to 0.87 inch), although most are small to medium-sized.
• The largest, Hyllus giganteus, can be 0.98 inches (2.5 centimeters) in length.
  • Though there are a few species that have hairy bodies, most species have few hairs (setae).
  • The body is often brightly coloured orstrikingly patterned. 
  • They have impressive eyesight. These arachnids always have four pairs of eyes, including a large, forward-facing principle pair.
  • They are diurnal, and most jumping spiders are solitary.

Q1: What are Pseudoscorpions?

Pseudoscorpions are arachnids and are related to spiders, ticks, mites and scorpions. They have oval or teardrop shaped, flattened bodies with two conspicuous pedipalps (pincers). Pseudoscorpions prey on other invertebrates, including booklice, springtails, mites and small insects. Many are active hunters, stalking among leaf litter and dead wood, while others ambush their prey from crevices in trees and rocks.

Source: New spider species found in Kodagu