SHILLONG: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata has discovered a previously unknown jumping spider species within the lush landscapes of Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district.
The remarkable find in the Anderson Tea Estate in Umran Dairy, sparked excitement among researchers and locals alike.
Named Phintella handersoni in homage to the late Handerson Syiemlieh, the erstwhile owner of the tea estate, this vibrant arachnid is the newest species of spiders to be discovered in the state.
The research team, led by the astute Dr Souvik Sen from ZSI Kolkata and supported by Dr Sudhin PP from ZSI Kolkata, and Dr John TD Caleb from Saveetha University, Chennai, tirelessly delved into the details of this newfound jumping spider.
Dr Dhriti Banerjee, the Director of ZSI, underscored the vital role that spiders, including this newfound species, play as natural allies in the tea ecosystem.
Recognising the significance of conserving these natural pest controllers, she highlighted their contribution to non-conventional pest management practices.
The Syiemlieh family, touched by the recognition bestowed upon them, expressed their jubilation over this enthralling discovery.
They commended the relentless efforts of the ZSI team, led by Dr Sen, and expressed hope for more such discoveries within the unexplored hills of Meghalaya in the future.
Phintella spiders, with their kaleidoscopic hues and metallic exterior, are of medium-sized stature.
The Phintella handersoni, unveiled by the research team, boasts of a distinctive rounded or oval head with a noticeable posterior slope, coupled with an abdomen showcasing light and dark horizontal bands, adding to its allure.
The groundbreaking discovery has found a feature in the prestigious international journal Zoosystematics and Evolution’s latest issue.
