Context: Researchers have identified a new species of jumping spiders of the Spartaeinae subfamily in southern India, known for their intelligent hunting skills and web-invasion tactics.
🕷️ New Jumping Spider Species Found in India
🧬 Significant Discovery
For the first time, spiders from the genera Spartaeus and Sonoita (subfamily: Spartaeinae) have been reported from India.
These genera were previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa.
🔍 Notable Traits of These Spiders
Belong to the jumping spider family (Salticidae).
Known for keen eyesight and complex, intelligent hunting strategies.
Often mimic prey to deceive and ambush other spiders.
🌍 Key Facts About Spiders
🧫 Classification
Spiders are arachnids, not insects.
Arachnids: 8 legs, 6–8 eyes (insects have 6 legs and 2 eyes).
🕸️ Behavior and Ecology
Known for spinning silk webs using special silk glands.
Found globally, except Antarctica.
Mostly carnivorous, feeding on insects; one herbivorous species found in Central America.
Act as natural pest controllers and also serve as prey for birds, reptiles, etc.
🍽️ Feeding Mechanism
External digestion: Spiders inject digestive juices into prey and suck up liquefied tissue.
👂 Sensory Adaptation
No ears—they rely on vibrations in their webs for sensing prey and movement.
Spider webs are extensions of their sensory systems.
🧵 Spider Silk
Lightweight, strong, and flexible—used in medical research, e.g., tissue engineering.
Spider silk inspires biomimetic materials.
🔄 Molting
Spiders shed their exoskeletons multiple times (molting) before becoming adults.