A team of researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, recently discovered two species of spiders from Nagaland, which were new to science of spiders.
The newly described species include Psechrus chizami, found in Chizami, Phek District, Nagaland; and Psechrus nathanael, recorded from both Peren district, Nagaland and Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya. Psechrus chizami is named after its collection locality, Chizami, Phek District, Nagaland; while Psechrus nathanael honours Nathanael P. A. Newmai for his support during field surveys.
With these additions, the number of Psechrus species in India has now risen to seven. Psechrid spiders construct slightly dome-shaped sheet webs with a tube-like retreat, typically in small crevices, rock gaps, or tree roots.
These newly described psechrid species can easily be distinguished from other species of this genus based on their genital structures. This new finding was published in the recent issue of the journal ‘ZOOTAXA’.
According to Dr. Souvik Sen, the lead researcher of the study, “This is a significant discovery not only because we found two new species, but also because it reflects the largely untapped potential for further biodiversity research in these areas. As we continue to explore these diverse ecosystems, we may uncover many more species that are yet to be documented.”
Speaking on the discovery, ZSI Director, Dr. Dhriti Banerjee pointed out, “This discovery is just the beginning, and further surveys will be conducted in the unexplored corners of the northeastern region as the biodiversity here is unparalleled. There is still a lot that is yet to be discovered. With continued investigation, the researchers hope to unravel the faunal mysteries that lurk amidst the forested hills of northeast India.”
These discoveries unveil the State’s rich but largely unexplored arachnid diversity and highlight the importance of continued biodiversity research in one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots in Northeast India.