Spartaeus karigiri

  • 15 Jun 2025

In News:

A team of researchers has identified a new species of jumping spiders of the Spartaeinae subfamily in southern India, known for their intelligent hunting skills and web-invasion tactics.

Source: European Journal of Taxonomy (June 2025)

Key Facts:

  • Species Name: Spartaeus karigiri
  • Taxonomy:
    • Family: Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)
    • Subfamily: Spartaeinae
    • Genus: Spartaeus
  • Named After: Karigiri (Elephant Hill) in Devarayanadurga, Karnataka.

Significance:

  • First recorded presence of Spartaeus and Sonoita genera in India.
    • These genera were previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa.
  • Discovery expands India’s Spartaeinae spider fauna to 15 species across 10 genera.

Features of Spartaeus karigiri:

  • Noted for intelligent hunting and web-invasion tactics.
  • Possesses keen eyesight and mimics prey to deceive other spiders.
  • Males were found in rocky crevices; females guarding egg clutches.
  • Found in Karnataka and Villupuram, Tamil Nadu.

Other Findings:

  • Sonoita cf. lightfooti, previously known from Africa, was also found in Karnataka.
  • A taxonomic correction: Marpissa gangasagarensis (2005) is the same as Phaeacius fimbriatus (1900).

Conservation and Research Insight:

  • India's arachnid diversity remains under-studied.
  • New discoveries indicate rich but undocumented biodiversity in Indian terrains.