Why in news?
Dolomedes indicus is a newly discovered species of fishing spider from the Dolomedes genus, marking the first such species described exclusively in India.​
About
- Researchers from the Kerala Forest Research Institute identified Dolomedes indicus in the evergreen rainforests of Wayanad district, Kerala, specifically near streams in Lakkidi and Periya areas.
- The species was formally described in a 2025 study published in Scientific Reports, using morphological and molecular analysis to differentiate it from similar species like Dolomedes mizhoanus and Dolomedes karschi.​
Habitat and Behavior
- This semi-aquatic spider inhabits slow-flowing, shallow streams in pristine wet evergreen forests at elevations around 820–830 m, with water temperatures of 18–24 °C.
- It acts as an active predator, using water surface tension to detect vibrations from insects or small fish, then skating or diving to capture prey; females can submerge for up to 90 minutes using hydrophobic hairs to trap air.​
Ecological Significance
- Dolomedes indicus serves as an indicator species for healthy freshwater ecosystems, absent from polluted or stagnant waters, highlighting the Western Ghats' biodiversity amid threats like climate change.
- Specimens are preserved at the Kerala Forest Research Institute for future study.
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