DIMAPUR, MAY 15 (MExN): Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered two new species of lace-sheet-weaver spiders from the forested hills of Nagaland, highlighting the rich but still poorly explored arachnid diversity of Northeast India.
The findings were published in the international journal Zootaxa and are based on a pre-monsoon faunal expedition conducted in Peren and Tseminyu districts. The study documented two previously unknown species belonging to the genus Psechrus, named Psechrus ntu and Psechrus phenshunyu after the villages of Ntu and Phenshunyu where they were discovered.
According to the researchers, the discoveries underline the ecological importance of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and the need for continued taxonomic exploration in the region.
The newly described spiders were found in humid forest habitats surrounded by dense subtropical forests, rocky terrain and mist-covered hills. Species belonging to the genus Psechrus are known for building large horizontal sheet-like webs.
Researchers stated that the new species are characterised by elongated and slightly flattened bodies along with long slender legs, especially the elongated front pair adapted for rapid movement across their webs. During field observations, the spiders were found inhabiting shaded forest patches, roadside cuttings, rocky crevices and retreats beneath rocks and tree roots.
The study also recorded Psechrus himalayanus in Nagaland for the first time, extending its previously known Himalayan distribution into Northeast India. Researchers said the finding suggests that the fragmented distribution of Indian Psechrus species may be linked more to limited scientific exploration than actual rarity.
An unusual behavioural observation was also documented during the study, involving a male P. himalayanus sharing the web of a female P. phenshunyu. Researchers noted that such heterospecific cohabitation is rarely documented among psechrid spiders and may provide important insights into behavioural ecology and species recognition within the genus.
The study was conducted by arachnologists Puthoor Pattammal Sudhin, Shouvik Mali and Souvik Sen of the ZSI.
According to Dr. Souvik Sen, the expedition was supported by spider enthusiasts Nathanael P. A. Newmai, Tesiding Newmai and Kvuthonglo Keppen, along with the cooperation of villagers from Ntu and Phenshunyu.
On behalf of Ntu village, Chairman Meranlubo Rentta and Head GB Tenginpingbo Newmai expressed appreciation over the discovery of Psechrus ntu from their village. Similarly, Head GB of Phenshunyu village Nyelo Kesen conveyed gratitude on behalf of the village following the discovery of Psechrus phenshunyu.
Researchers stated that only nine species of Psechrus are currently known from India, most with fragmented and localised distributions, and believe that many more species may remain undiscovered in the remote forested landscapes of the Northeast.
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