Discovery of New Jumping Spider Species
In March 2025, a significant discovery was made by researchers involving the University of Kerala.
Epidelaxia palustris and New Species Discovery
- Two new species of jumping spiders, belonging to the genus Epidelaxia, were discovered in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
- This marks the first record of the Epidelaxia genus in India, previously thought to be endemic to Sri Lanka.
Research Collaboration
- Researchers involved include:
- Asima A. and G. Prasad from the Department of Zoology, University of Kerala
- John T.D. Caleb from Saveetha Medical College & Hospitals, Chennai
- Mathew M.J. from the Centre for Arachnology Research, Bharata Mata College, Kochi
- Findings published in the February 2025 issue of Zootaxa, a peer-reviewed journal.
Species Characteristics and Habitat
- The two new species are named Epidelaxia falciformis sp. nov. and Epidelaxia palustris sp. nov.
- Field expeditions took place in Kulathupuzha, Kollam in December 2022 and April 2023.
- Distinctive features include:
- Females have a prominent yellow triangular-shaped mark on the prosoma.
- Unique copulatory organ traits in both males and females.
- Coloration:
- E. falciformis: Males have a brown carapace with a yellow-brown stripe.
- E. palustris: Males have a pale brown band along their bodies. Females have white orbital setae around their eyes.
- Size:
- E. falciformis: Males measure 4.39 mm.
- E. palustris: Males measure 4.57 mm; females measure 3.69 mm.
- These spiders are highly adapted to the dense foliage of the Western Ghats.