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ZSI Discovers Two New Spider Species: Simonia lawbah and Hamataliwa papikonda
📅 Published 26 Jul 2026 · July 2026
ZSI Discovers Two New Spider Species: Simonia lawbah and Hamataliwa papikonda
- Who: Scientists from Zoological Survey of India discovered two new spider species.
- Species:
- Simonia lawbah: Discovered from Krem Lawbah Cave Meghalaya, cave-dwelling ray spider family Theridiosomatidae, first record of genus Simonia in India, tiny <2mm troglophilic builds cone-shaped ray web to capture flying insects. Published in Zootaxa.
- Hamataliwa papikonda: Recorded from Papikonda National Park AP, new lynx spider family Oxyopidae, first record of genus Hamataliwa in AP. Genus has ∼90 species worldwide with 10 in India. Active hunter using speed agility spiny legs, hexagonal arrangement of 8 eyes. Published in Records of ZSI.
- Significance: Highlights India's unexplored biodiversity.
- About ZSI: Established 1916 HQ Kolkata WB under MoEFCC.
- UPSC Relevance: GS3 - Biodiversity, New Species discovery, Cave biodiversity.
📝 Relevant Exams:
UPSC