New Spider Species Discovered in Western Ghats

Family

Mimetidae (Pirate or Cannibal Spiders).

Discovery Location

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.

Physical Characteristics

Medium size, pale yellow head, dull grey-white abdomen, scattered light green mottling, long black flattened spine-like hairs on the dorsal head.

Significance

Marks the report of the genus Mimetus after 118 years of the discovery of Mimetus indicus from India.

(Mimetus is a genus of pirate spiders in the family Mimetidae. They are found worldwide).

Published In

Zootaxa

Role of Western Ghats

Crucial in climatic conditions; High levels of endemism; Important for continued exploration and conservation efforts.

Family

Mimetidae (Pirate or Cannibal Spiders)

Discovery Location

Ernakulam district, Kerala

Physical Characteristics

Pale creamy-rose head, dense grey-black mottling, triangular-shaped dull grey-white abdomen.

Significance

Marks the report of the genus Mimetus after 118 years of the discovery of Mimetus indicus from India.

Published In

Zootaxa

Role of Western Ghats

Crucial in climatic conditions; High levels of endemism; Important for continued exploration and conservation efforts

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was founded in 1916 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is a premier organization in zoological research and studies, aiming to promote the survey, exploration, and research of the fauna in the country.

The history of ZSI traces back to the days of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, founded by Sir William Jones in 1784. The Asiatic Society of Bengal was the mother institution to both the Zoological Survey of India and the Geological Survey of India.

Thomas Nelson Annandale achieved his aim in establishing the Zoological Survey of India and became its founder director.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.   Consider the following statements:

1.Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kerala.

2.Perennial Chakra and Sowparnika rivers flow through the sanctuary.

3.Recently, there were reports of the genus Mimetus from this sanctuary after 118 years of the discovery of Mimetus indicus from India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A)      1 only

B)      1 and 3 only

C)      2 and 3 only

D)      All

Answer: C) 2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Karnataka.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct.