Two New Jumping Spider Species Discovered in Meghalaya

Meghalaya has added two newly identified jumping spider species to India’s rich biodiversity record, reaffirming the State’s ecological importance within the Indo-Burma mega hotspot. Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India have documented Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar from forested landscapes in the region.

Distinctive Features of Asemonea dentis

Asemonea dentis marks only the third Indian species within the genus Asemonea. The name ‘dentis’ refers to a tooth-like projection on the male palpal femur, a key diagnostic trait. Males display a greenish-brown body with a pale yellow V-shaped abdominal marking, while females are creamy white with fine black patterns.

Characteristics of Colyttus nongwar

Colyttus nongwar is the second Indian representative of the Oriental genus Colyttus. Named after the Khasi Hills village Nongwar, both sexes feature an oval reddish-brown carapace and a light-brown abdomen bordered by a creamy band, with five distinct chevron-shaped patches toward the rear.

Significance for Conservation and Research

Researchers emphasise that these findings underscore the ecological richness of Northeast India, an area still underexplored. Scientists note that Meghalaya’s forests, sacred groves and cliffs are irreplaceable habitats, and continued fieldwork is essential to documenting India’s natural heritage. The discoveries have been formally published in Zootaxa, reflecting their scientific importance.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar were discovered in Meghalaya by ZSI scientists.
• Both belong to the Salticidae family, known as jumping spiders.
• Asemonea dentis is the third Indian species of its genus; Colyttus nongwar is the second for its genus.
• The species descriptions were published in the journal Zootaxa.

Expanding India’s Biodiversity Catalogue

The discoveries highlight the need for more systematic surveys across the Northeast. With many regions still scientifically under-documented, researchers believe numerous species remain undiscovered, reinforcing the region’s status as a biodiversity frontier.