Meghalaya Adds Two New Jumping Spider Species to India’s Biodiversity Records

New Spider Discoveries in Meghalaya Strengthen India’s Biodiversity Profile

Meghalaya has added two newly identified jumping spider species to India’s growing biodiversity list, reaffirming the region’s ecological significance within the Indo-Burma mega biodiversity hotspot . Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have formally described Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar , both discovered in forested habitats known for their rich yet underexplored fauna.

Unique Traits of Asemonea dentis

Asemonea dentis represents only the third Indian species recorded under the genus Asemonea . Its name, derived from the Latin dentis , refers to a tooth-like projection on the male palpal femur—an important distinguishing feature. Males have a greenish-brown body with a pale yellow V-shaped marking on the abdomen, whereas females appear creamy white with delicate black patterns, making sexual dimorphism a key identification marker.

Characteristics of Colyttus nongwar

The second discovery, Colyttus nongwar , is named after the Khasi Hills village Nongwar . It becomes only the second species from its genus documented in India. Both male and female specimens show an oval reddish-brown carapace and a light-brown abdomen framed by a creamy band, adorned with five distinct chevron-like patches along the rear.

Importance of the Findings

Researchers highlight that these discoveries underscore the remarkable but still insufficiently studied biodiversity of Northeast India . Meghalaya’s forests, sacred groves and rugged cliffs form specialised ecosystems that require ongoing scientific surveys. The species have been formally published in Zootaxa , validating their global scientific significance.

Expanding India’s Biodiversity Catalogue

The new findings reflect the urgent need for deeper field research across the Northeast, where scientists believe numerous species remain undocumented.

Exam Point

• Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar discovered in Meghalaya by ZSI .

• Both belong to Salticidae , the jumping spider family.

• Asemonea dentis : 3rd Indian species of its genus.

• Colyttus nongwar : 2nd Indian species of its genus.

• Descriptions published in Zootaxa .