A team of researchers exploring biodiversity in the Western Ghats recently discovered a new species of spider named Pilia malenadu.

About Pilia malenadu
Pilia malenadu refers to a recently discovered new species of jumping spider found in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. It was named "malenadu" to credit the Malenadu region where it was found. 

• The Spider Species: Pilia malenadu
• Discovery: The species was discovered by a team of researchers in the Madhugundi village in the Mudigere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, at the foothills of the Western Ghats.
• Genus: It belongs to the Pilia genus of jumping spiders, a genus that had not had a new species recorded in approximately 123 years.
• Significance: This discovery is significant not only due to the long gap since the last finding in this genus, but also because researchers found and documented both male and female spiders of the species for the first time.
• Habitat: The spiders were found concealed between the leaves of specific plant species, Memecylon umbellatum and Memecylon malabaricum, indicating the rich and healthy ecosystem of the region. 

The Malenadu Region
"Malenadu" (or Malnad) is a geographical region in Karnataka, India, that spans the eastern and western slopes of the Western Ghats. The name comes from the Kannada words "male" (mountain/rain) and "nadu" (land), literally meaning the "land of rain" or "mountainous land". 

Key features of the region:

• Geography: Characterized by rugged terrain, rolling hills, dense rainforests, and numerous rivers and waterfalls.
• Climate: The region receives heavy annual rainfall and has a humid, moderate climate throughout the year, with places like Agumbe recording among the highest rainfall in India.
• Biodiversity: It is a biodiversity hotspot, home to many endemic species of flora and fauna, including medicinal plants, the Lion-tailed macaque, and the Malabar civet.
• Culture & Economy: The area has a rich heritage with ancient temples and is known for agriculture, particularly arecanut, coffee, pepper, and cardamom plantations. 

Download Pdf