Rare Jumping Spider Species Recorded in Assam for the First Time in India

Rare Jumping Spider Expands India’s Biodiversity Record

India’s biodiversity map has gained a notable new entry with the documentation of a rare jumping spider species in Assam. Researchers have recorded Colyttus bilineatus for the first time in the country, underscoring the ecological significance of southern Assam and the need for closer scientific attention to its forest ecosystems.

First Indian Record from Cachar District

The species was documented by a research team from Assam University, Silchar, during field surveys at Loharbond in the Inner Line Reserved Forest of Cachar district. Located near the borders of Mizoram and Manipur, this forest forms part of the Barak Valley landscape, an area known for its rich but relatively underexplored fauna.

Why the Discovery Matters

Jumping spiders belong to the family Salticidae , a group recognised for sharp vision, agility, and active predatory behaviour. Recording Colyttus bilineatus in India extends the known geographical range of the species and provides fresh insights into species dispersal across South and Southeast Asia. Such range extensions are valuable indicators of habitat continuity and ecological health.

Southern Assam as a Biodiversity Zone

The Inner Line Reserved Forest is characterised by dense vegetation, varied canopy cover, and multiple microhabitats. These features create ideal conditions for insects and arachnids, many of which remain undocumented. The discovery reinforces southern Assam’s status as an important biodiversity zone within North-East India, a region already recognised for high species richness and endemism.

Important Facts for Exams

• Jumping spiders belong to the family Salticidae

• First Indian record of Colyttus bilineatus reported from Assam

• Species range extension helps assess ecosystem health

• Reserved forests play a vital role in conserving lesser-known fauna

• North-East India is a biodiversity-rich and underexplored region

Implications for Conservation and Research

Scientists emphasise that such findings highlight the importance of systematic faunal surveys in lesser-studied forest areas. Continued research can uncover more undocumented species and strengthen scientific evidence for habitat protection. The presence of Colyttus bilineatus in Assam adds weight to conservation efforts aimed at preserving forest ecosystems that act as reservoirs of rare and unique life forms.