6 New species of Spiders found in Kerala

6 New species of Spiders found in Kerala
Monday, July 27, 2015

Research conducted by Biodiversity Research Centre of Christ College, Irinjalakuda have found 6 new spider species. These new species have been spotted at Harithavanam also knows as Kuttivanam, located near the banks of the Aluva Sivarathri Manappuram in Kerala.

The researchers have listed the six spider species to be under the genus Chrysso, Dendrolycosa, Tetragntha, Trachelas and Argyrodes.

Chrysso: This tiny spider builds small webs in between grass blades to catch their prey. It is characterized by black glossy body and brownish legs.

Dendrolycosa: These spiders feeds only on insects in water bodies. It is mainly brown in color, but has white lines on its body and visible spines on its legs. The eight eyes are located in two rows of inverted U-shaped pattern.

Tetragntha: Two other species belong to this genus. The yellow coloured long jawed spider is characterised by four black spots on the back of their abdomen and black bands on the joints of legs. The dorsal surface of abdomen of green-coloured long jawed spider is covered by white coloured scales.

Trachelas: A member of ant mimicking spiders characterised by the presence of eight diamonds like sparkling eyes located in the anterior part of dark brown head.

Argyrodes: This genus is said to be associated with the family of black widow which is known as world’s most venomous spider. It is only as big as a housefly and hunts for small prey on grassy greens.