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New Jumping Spider Species Spartaeus karigiri Discovered in Southern India.

Environment | Dated: 19 Jun 2025

In June 2025, scientists discovered Spartaeus karigiri, a new jumping spider species of the Salticidae family, in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu—marking the first record of genus Spartaeus in India.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Researchers from Chennai identified Spartaeus karigiri in the Spartaeinae subfamily—the first Spartaeus species confirmed in India, previously known only across Southeast Asia and parts of China.
  • - Named after Karigiri (Elephant Hill) in Devarayanadurga, Karnataka, the species was also detected in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, expanding its known habitat beyond the type locality.
  • - This agile hunter showcases advanced vision and intelligent hunting tactics—using web invasion and prey mimicry for capturing insects—typical of jumping spiders (Salticidae).

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Found in rocky terrain and forested enclaves, occupied microhabitats such as crevices and litter. The male holotype and female specimens were collected from shaded rock surfaces and ground litter.
  • (ii) With its discovery, India’s known native Spartaeinae jumping spiders increase to 15 species across 10 genera. This extends the geographical distribution of both Spartaeus and related genus Sonoita.
  • (iii) Documented in peer-reviewed journals, S. karigiri sheds new light on arachnid diversity, biogeography, and predatory adaptations in Southern India. It also prompts further ecological surveys in rocky habitats.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

What is the scientific name of the new jumping spider species recently discovered in Southern India in 2025?

Correct Answer: Spartaeus karigiri

🚀 Quick Recap: