Why in News?
A new study uncovered two new species of ground-dwelling jumping spiders in Mumbai's Aarey Milk Colony, reinforcing the area's ecological significance.
Core Characteristics
- Body Structure: Unlike insects, arachnids have two body segments: the cephalothorax (head and thorax fused) and the abdomen.
- Leg Count: All adult arachnids have eight legs, whereas insects have six.
- Lack of Appendages: They do not have wings or antennae.
- External Digestion: Most arachnids inject digestive fluids into their prey to liquefy it before sucking it in, as they lack traditional jaws.
Notable Recent Species Discoveries in India
- Jumping Spiders: New species like Langelurillus sahyadri (Maharashtra) and Langelurillus udaipurensis (Rajasthan) were recorded in early 2026.
- "Maldhok" Spider: The species Palpimanus maldhok was recently described, named after the Marathi word for the Great Indian Bustard because it shares the same grassland habitat.
- Rare Blue Spider: The Peacock Tarantula, an endemic blue spider from the Eastern Ghats, has become a focus for UPSC aspirants and conservationists due to its illegal trade value.
Ecological Importance
- Pest Control: Spiders consume hundreds of millions of tons of insects annually, acting as the primary regulators of terrestrial insect populations.
- Bioindicators: Semi-aquatic species like the new Indian Fishing Spider are highly sensitive to pollution, meaning their presence indicates a healthy, pristine water ecosystem.
- Food Web: They serve as a vital food source for birds, lizards, and small mammals.
Threats & Conservation
- Illegal Trade: Approximately 25% of tarantula species described since 2000 have entered the international pet trade, often smuggled as they are difficult to detect via X-ray.
- Habitat Loss: Urbanisation and deforestation in the Western Ghats and Aarey are the primary threats to endemic species.
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