Jumping Spider New Species Discovered in Tamilnadu

Discovery and Identification

• New jumping spider species, Carrhotus piperus, discovered in lower Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu
• Found during a 2016 survey in Thadiyankudisai, Dindigul
• Research led by John Caleb T.D. (Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences) and M. Sampathkumar (ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources)
• Taxonomic description published in the Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics
• Increases known Carrhotus species count to 10 in India and 37 globally
• Highlights the rich biodiversity of the Palani Hills region

Unique Characteristics and Habitat

• Named Carrhotus piperus after its habitat on Piper nigrum (black pepper) plants
• Found approximately two meters above ground level on pepper plants
• Distinguishable features:
  • Unique prolateral protrusion
  • Beak-shaped embolus (part of reproductive structure)
• These traits set it apart from other members of the Carrhotus genus
• Specific epithet 'piperus' derived from the plant's generic name, reflecting its distinctive habitat
• Belongs to the Salticidae family of jumping spiders

Significance and Jumping Spider Facts

• Discovery emphasizes the need for continued biodiversity studies in India
• Expands understanding of the Carrhotus genus and its ecosystem

Jumping spiders (Salticidae family) facts:

• • Excellent vision, capable of seeing in color and detecting motion
  • Can leap up to 50 times their body length using a unique hydraulic system
  • Don't spin webs to catch prey; hunt actively instead
  • Over 6,000 species of jumping spiders exist globally
  • Many species display complex courtship behaviors and vibrant colors
  • Found on every continent except Antarctica

Palani Hills: An eastward extension of the Western Ghats in southwestern Tamil Nadu

• • Continuation of the Anaimalai Hills in Kerala state
  • Terminates abruptly in steep slopes to the south