Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar
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Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar are two newly discovered species of jumping spiders from the Salticidae family, identified by Zoological Survey of India scientists in Meghalaya's forested areas.​
About Discovery
- These spiders were collected during field surveys in Ri Bhoi and East Khasi Hills districts, with formal descriptions published in Zootaxa in late 2025.
- Asemonea dentis marks the third species of its genus recorded in India, while Colyttus nongwar is only the second Indian species in its Oriental genus.
- Both belong to jumping spiders known for sharp vision, stalking prey, and leaping attacks rather than web-building.​
Physical Characteristics
- Asemonea dentis features males with a greenish-brown body and pale-yellow V-shaped abdominal mark, plus a tooth-like projection on the male palpal femur earning its "dentis" name; females show creamy white bodies with black markings.​
- Colyttus nongwar, named after Nongwar village in East Khasi Hills, has an oval reddish-brown carapace and light-brown abdomen with a front creamy band plus five rear chevron patches in both sexes.​
Significance
The finds highlight Meghalaya's role in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and underscore the need for ongoing surveys in Northeast India. Holotypes reside in the National Zoological Collections in Kolkata.
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