LIGDUS GARVALE -
ENVIRONMENT
News: New spider species found in
Kodagu
What's in the news?
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A recent discovery by a team of naturalists
unveiled a new spider species named 'Ligdus
Garvale' in Garvale village, situated within the Somwarpet taluk of Karnataka's Kodagu district.
Ligdus Garvale:
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Ligdus Garvale is a newly discovered species of jumping spider.
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It was found in Garvale village of the Kodagu
district, Karnataka, surrounded by agroforestry, including coffee, pepper, and
paddy fields.
Backdrop:
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This species marks only the second recorded
instance of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, the first being Ligdus Chelifer reported from Myanmar in 1895.
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Ligdus Garvale was discovered under the leaf of a torch ginger plant and bears a
resemblance to Pseudoscorpions.
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Due to its nature as a high canopy jumper, it often
goes unnoticed and constructs a double-layered web for retreat.
Go back to basics:
Jumping Spiders:
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Jumping spiders belong to the largest family of spiders, known as Salticidae, comprising more than 6,380 species.
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They are characterized by their ability to jump and
pounce upon their prey.
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These spiders are prevalent in tropical regions, but some also inhabit northern and even Arctic
areas.
Features:
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Jumping spiders range in size from 2 to 22 mm, with
most being small to medium-sized.
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The largest species, such as Hyllus giganteus, can
reach up to 0.98 inches (2.5 centimeters) in length.
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While some species have hairy bodies, most have few hairs (setae).
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They often exhibit bright colors or striking patterns on their bodies.
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Jumping spiders possess impressive eyesight, with
four pairs of eyes, including a large, forward-facing principal pair.
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They are diurnal
creatures, and most species are solitary
in nature.