Cannibal Spider (Representative Image: Canva)

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has announced the discovery of two previously unknown spider species in the Western Ghats, a renowned biodiversity hotspot. The newly identified species, Mimetus Spinatus and Mimetus Parvulus, were found in Karnataka’s Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and Kerala’s Ernakulam district, respectively. This discovery brings the total number of Mimetus spider species in India to three, all located in the southern part of the country.

Historical Significance and Expert Insights

The last recorded Mimetus species was documented 118 years ago, making these recent findings particularly significant. Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director of ZSI, emphasised the crucial role of the Western Ghats in India's biodiversity. “The Western Ghats are vital for the country’s climatic stability and continue to surprise scientists with their high levels of endemism,” Banerjee stated. The discovery was led by Dr Souvik Sen, alongside Dr Sudhin PP and Dr Pradeep M Sankaran.

Dr Banerjee highlighted the need for continued research and conservation efforts in the region. “The long gap between discoveries underscores the need for more extensive surveys and research into the taxonomy and biogeography of spiders in India,” she added. This revelation suggests that more undiscovered species may be lurking in India’s lesser-explored areas, emphasising the importance of ongoing exploration in these biodiverse regions.