The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has announced the discovery of two new spider species in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots. The newly identified species, Mimetus Spinatus and Mimetus Parvulus, were found in Karnataka’s Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and Kerala’s Ernakulam district, respectively.
This discovery brings the total number of Mimetus spider species in India to three, all of which have been spotted in the southern part of the country. The last Mimetus species was recorded 118 years ago, making this a significant find.
ZSI Director Dr Dhriti Banerjee emphasized the importance of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in preserving India’s rich biodiversity. “The Western Ghats play a crucial role in the climatic conditions of the country and continue to surprise scientists with their high levels of endemism,” Banerjee said.
The discovery was made by a research team led by Dr Souvik Sen, along with Dr Sudhin PP and Dr Pradeep M Sankaran. Banerjee highlighted the need for continued exploration and conservation efforts in the region, stressing that the true diversity of Mimetus spiders in India remains largely unexplored.
“This long gap between discoveries underscores the need for more extensive surveys and research into the taxonomy and biogeography of spiders in India,” Banerjee added. The findings suggest the potential for more undiscovered species in India’s lesser-explored areas.
