Hidden life in the hills: Two new jumping spiders found in Meghalaya

Hidden Life in the Hills: Two New Jumping Spiders Found in Meghalaya (Representative Image: Canva)

The Zoological Survey of India has reported the discovery of two new species of jumping spiders in Meghalaya, highlighting the ecological richness of Northeast India and its global biodiversity importance.

The species were identified during field surveys in Meghalaya’s forested landscapes. Researchers said the find strengthens India’s biodiversity records and reinforces the region’s place within the Indo Burma mega biodiversity hotspot. The spiders belong to the Salticidae family, known for sharp vision and agile hunting that relies on precision jumps rather than webs.

One of the newly described species has been named Asemonea dentis. It is only the third species of this genus recorded in India. Scientists named it after a tooth like structure found on the male’s palpal femur, a feature that helps distinguish it from related species. Males display greenish brown colouring with a pale yellow V shaped abdominal pattern, while females have creamy white bodies marked with bold black designs.

The second species has been named Colyttus nongwar, after Nongwar village where it was discovered. It becomes the second Indian species recorded under the rarely documented Oriental genus Colyttus. Both males and females share a reddish brown carapace and a light brown abdomen, marked by a creamy front band and five chevron shaped patches.

Lead researcher Dr Souvik Sen said the findings offer only a small glimpse into the region’s biological wealth. He noted that systematic biodiversity surveys remain limited across Northeast India, suggesting many species remain undiscovered. The discovery highlights the urgent need for expanded scientific research in the region.

ZSI Director Dr Dhriti Banerjee said the findings underline the importance of protecting Meghalaya’s ecosystems. She stressed that the state’s forests, cliffs and sacred groves are irreplaceable ecological assets requiring long term conservation efforts.

The full scientific descriptions of both species have been published in the latest edition of Zootaxa, an international peer reviewed journal focused on zoological taxonomy. ZSI officials have called for sustained conservation initiatives to safeguard Meghalaya’s unique biodiversity, often described as the true abode of clouds.