Latest news with #Psechruschizami
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
2 new spider species discovered in Nagaland, Meghalaya; ZSI points to importance of biodiversity studies in Northeast
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, have recently documented four notable spider species from Northeast India. This significant finding includes the description of two species previously unknown to science and the first-ever recorded presence of two other species within the country. The newly identified species Psechrus chizami was discovered in Nagaland, while Psechrus nathanael was recorded in both Nagaland and Meghalaya. The specific epithet chizami is derived from the locality of its initial collection, Chizami. Psechrus nathanael is named in honour of Nathanael P A Newmai in recognition of his invaluable support during field investigations. With these additions, the number of Psechrus species identified in India now stands at seven. Spiders of the Psechridae family construct distinctive, slightly dome-shaped sheet webs incorporating a tubular retreat, typically situated within small crevices, rock fissures, or the root systems of trees. The research team, comprising Dr Souvik Sen, Dr Sudhin P P, and Shouvik Mali, also documented the presence of Pardosa tuberosa and Thiania abdominalis within a relatively undisturbed habitat in Meghalaya. The wolf spider, Pardosa tuberosa, exhibits high sensitivity to environmental perturbations. Its declining population indicates deteriorating ecosystem health and habitat disturbance, thereby highlighting its potential as a significant bioindicator species. The jumping spider, Thianiaabdominalis, is characterised as a medium-sized species with a light reddish-brown cephalothorax and a creamy yellow abdomen marked by prominent black bands. Unlike web-building spiders, Thiania species employ agility and acute vision for prey capture, contributing to natural pest regulation within their ecological niche. Dr Souvik Sen, the principal investigator of this study, said, 'This discovery holds considerable significance, not only due to the identification of two new species and two new national records but also because it underscores the substantial, yet largely untapped, potential for further biodiversity research within these ecosystems. Continued exploration of these diverse habitats is likely to reveal numerous additional species awaiting scientific documentation.' Dr Dhriti Banerjee, director of the ZSI, said, 'This finding represents an initial step, and further comprehensive surveys will be undertaken in the unexplored regions of the northeast, given its unparalleled biodiversity. A significant portion of the region's fauna remains undiscovered. Through sustained investigation, researchers anticipate unveiling the intricate faunal diversity concealed within the forested highlands of northeast India.'
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ZSI researchers discover 2 new spider species and 2 new national records in Northeast India
In a significant discovery, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), headquartered in Kolkata, have documented four significant spider species from the biodiversity-rich northeastern region of India. The findings include the identification of two previously unknown species and two others recorded for the first time in the country — an important step in unravelling the region's largely untapped arachnid diversity . The newly discovered species, Psechrus chizami and Psechrus nathanael, were found in the forested landscapes of Nagaland and Meghalaya. The former is named after the village of Chizami in Nagaland, where it was first collected, while the latter honours Nathanael P. A. Newmai for his support during fieldwork. These additions bring the total number of Psechrus species recorded in India to seven. Members of the Psechridae family are known for their distinctive dome-shaped sheet webs with tubular retreats, often located in crevices, rock fissures, or among tree roots. The newly described spiders also display unique genital features that set them apart from other known species in the genus. The full taxonomic details of these species have been published in the reputed journal Zootaxa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Lead researcher Souvik Sen, along with Sudhin P. P. and Shouvik Mali, also documented two additional spider species — Pardosa tuberosa and Thiania abdominalis — in relatively undisturbed habitats in Meghalaya. These are the first official records of both species in India, with their findings featured in the Records of the Zoological Survey of India. Pardosa tuberosa, a wolf spider, is recognized for its sensitivity to environmental changes, making it a potential bio-indicator of ecosystem health. Its presence in pristine habitats serves as a benchmark for ecological integrity. On the other hand, Thiania abdominalis, a jumping spider species with a light reddish-brown cephalothorax and creamy yellow abdomen marked by black bands, uses agility and keen vision for prey capture rather than web-building, playing a crucial role in natural pest control. 'This discovery holds considerable significance, not only due to the identification of new species and national records, but also because it highlights the immense, yet understudied, arachnid biodiversity of Northeast India,' said Souvik Sen, the principal investigator of the study. 'We believe that continued research in these rich ecosystems will unveil many more species that have yet to be described.' Dhriti Banerjee, ZSI director, emphasized the importance of the discovery, stating, 'This marks just the beginning. The Northeast is a global biodiversity hotspot, and vast areas remain unexplored. With sustained research efforts, we are confident of revealing the region's hidden faunal wealth.' These discoveries reinforce the significance of systematic biodiversity documentation in the region and stress the urgency of preserving these fragile ecosystems before more species disappear unrecorded.
