Discovery of Jumping Spider Spartaeus karigiri
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: The Spartaeus and Sonoita spider genera were scientifically recorded only in Southeast Asia and Africa. NOW: Both genera are officially recorded in India, confirming a significant habitat range extension into the Indian subcontinent.
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BEFORE: India's documented Spartaeinae spider diversity was limited to fewer species and genera. NOW: The discovery of Spartaeus karigiri and Sonoita cf. lightfooti expands the officially recorded diversity to 15 species across 10 genera in India.
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BEFORE: The ecological role of Spartaeus species in Indian microhabitats was completely undocumented. NOW: Researchers have documented their preference for rocky crevices and their specialized web-invasion hunting behaviors in the region.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the newly discovered jumping spider Spartaeus karigiri, consider the following statements: 1. It belongs to a genus that was previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa. 2. It is characterized by web-invasion hunting tactics and prey mimicry. 3. The discovery was confined exclusively to the Himalayan region. Which of the statements given above are correct?