Why in news?
Indian arachnologists have discovered two new species of jumping spiders in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The species are named Mogrus shushka and Mogrus pune and belong to the genus Mogrus of the family Salticidae.
Background
Jumping spiders are known for their excellent vision and agile movements. They do not build webs to catch prey; instead, they stalk and pounce on insects. The genus Mogrus comprises small, dry‑habitat specialists with wide distributions across Africa and Eurasia.
Details of the new species
- Mogrus shushka: Found in arid areas of Rajasthan, its name derives from the Sanskrit word shushka, meaning “dry”. Males have a characteristic triangular protrusion on the reproductive organ (palp).
- Mogrus pune: Discovered in the Alfa Laval Biodiversity Park near Pune, Maharashtra. Its species epithet honours the city. Males exhibit a heart‑shaped protrusion on the palp and differ in body pattern from related species.
Additional notes
- Researchers also documented the species Mogrus larisae in India for the first time and described the male of Mogrus rajasthanensis, known earlier only from females.
- These findings highlight the rich, yet underexplored, diversity of spiders in India’s dry ecosystems.
- Conservation of microhabitats is crucial to protect such endemic species.
Sources: Research Matters