Discovery! New Species of Spider ‘Ligdus Garvale’ found in Kodagu District, Tamil Nadu
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Introduction to the Ligdus Garvale UPSC
Welcome to PreCrack! Recently, at Kodagu District of Tamil Nadu, a new species of Spider has been found. This spider was of ‘Ligdus genus’ & found on ‘Garvale’ Villege of Kodagu district, that is why it named the ‘Ligdus Garvale’.
In India, if you are preparing for major competitive examination then being aware of latest discoveries of new species of animals are crucial for us to know about. This is why, in this blog, we have added all the details about “Ligdus Garvale “, which will help you with your UPSC CSE Exam Preparation.
So, let’s start-
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Why is Ligdus Garvale in the News? – UPSC Current Affairs 2024
Ligdus Garvale is in the news due to the recent discovery of a new spider species named after this village in the Kodagu district. This marks only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, the first being Ligdus chelifer in Myanmar in 1895.
The discovery, made by a group of naturalists from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is significant for the scientific community. The spider, a jumping species, was found in the agroforestry surroundings of Garvale village, highlighting the area’s ecological importance and the potential for further undiscovered biodiversity.
Source – The Hindu
Complete Details about Ligdus Garvale UPSC
We have added all the information about Ligdus Garvale in detail below:
About Ligdus Garvale
Ligdus Garvale is a newly discovered species of jumping spider, named after Garvale village in the Kodagu district, Karnataka, India. This discovery is particularly significant as it represents only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, with the first being Ligdus chelifer, documented in Myanmar in 1895. This discovery was made by a group of naturalists from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Characteristics
Ligdus Garvale is a small jumping spider measuring approximately 0.2 inches in length. It has eight legs and eight eyes, typical of spiders in its family.
The spider’s body is covered with fine pale hairs, which may aid in camouflage among the leaves and plants of its habitat.
The only specimen found so far is a male, which was discovered beneath the leaf of a torch ginger plant.
Classification
Ligdus Garvale belongs to the genus Ligdus within the family Salticidae, commonly known as jumping spiders. The genus Ligdus was first recorded in 1895 with the discovery of Ligdus chelifer in Myanmar.
Distribution
The Ligdus Garvale spider has so far been found exclusively in Garvale village in the Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, Karnataka, India. Its limited known distribution underscores the importance of this region in harboring unique biodiversity.
Ecology
As a jumping spider, Ligdus Garvale is likely to be an active predator, relying on its excellent vision and agility to hunt for prey. Jumping spiders do not spin webs to catch prey; instead, they stalk and pounce on their targets.
The ecological role of Ligdus Garvale within its habitat would involve controlling the population of small insects, thus contributing to the ecological balance.
Habitat
Ligdus Garvale was discovered in an agroforestry environment surrounded by coffee plantations, pepper, and paddy fields. The specific habitat where it was found is beneath the leaves of torch ginger plants, indicating that this spider prefers the microhabitat provided by dense foliage and the relatively humid and shaded conditions.
Food
Jumping spiders, including Ligdus Garvale, are primarily insectivores. They feed on various small insects and other arthropods. Their diet consists mainly of flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other small invertebrates that they actively hunt using their keen vision and jumping ability.
Scientific Details
The research team that discovered Ligdus Garvale includes John T.D. Caleb from the Department of Anatomy at Saveetha Medical College & Hospital in Chennai, A. Divyashree from Kuvempu University in Shankarghatta, A.P.C. Abhijith from Indraprastha Organic Farm in Mysuru, and Lohith Kumar from Montrose Golf Resort and Spa in Kodagu. Their detailed observation and anatomical examination confirmed the spider as a new species.
Behavior
Ligdus Garvale, like other jumping spiders, exhibits unique hunting behavior. These spiders are known for their excellent vision and agility. They use their four pairs of large eyes to detect and stalk prey before pouncing.
Their behavior also includes complex courtship rituals, where males perform intricate dances to attract females. The discovery of only one male specimen so far limits the understanding of the species’ full range of behaviors, but it is expected to align with typical jumping spider behaviors.
