A new spider species has been discovered in Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, which is different from the spider species around the globe. This spider belongs in the Afraflacilla genus, which was first observed back in December 2018 by Rishikesh Tripathi, spider research scholar, and his team, in the Myajlar area. After continuous research, a research paper has been published about the spider and it has been named Afraflacilla Myajlaransis, and it has gained a distinct identity among the spider species of the world.
Similarly, a spider from the same species was being observed at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary from July 2015. After research, a research paper has now been published and the specie has been named Afraflacilla Kurichiyadansis. And hence, 2 new names have been added onto the list of spider species of the world.
On 6th April, 2022, in Switzerland, the 50th thousand spider specie was listed in the World Spider Catalogue. Now, the 2 species found in India’s Jaisalmer and Wayanad will also be listed in the same. This is a historic discovery when it comes to spider species, there is a whole lot of difference between the climates of Rajasthan and Kerala, despite which, the similar specie being found in both the places is good news. Its original species was found in Africa and that is why this category is known as Afraflacilla. It has been proved after this discovery that this spider can survive both in dry and humid weathers.
This spider specie is found in dense forests and lives in tree branches, and their diet comprises the insects which damage tree leaves and branches. These spiders do not make webs. Both of its front legs are thicker than the other ones. These spiders, on seeing their prey, leap like a cheetah and grab hold of their prey. That is why they are called jumping spiders as well. And as they protect trees from damaging insects, they are also known as trees’ friend spiders.
