A new species of jumping spider, scientifically named Mogrus Pune, has been discovered in the Alfa Laval Biodiversity Park located in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra. The discovery was made by Atharva Kulkarni, a scientist with an MSc in Environmental Science from MIT World Peace University, during a biodiversity survey. The findings were published in the international peer-reviewed journal, the European Journal of Taxonomy.
The Mogrus Pune species was found resting on the branches of thorny trees such as Acacia and the native Apta tree within the Alfa Laval Biodiversity Park. Kulkarni identified it as a new species after meticulous study, noting its distinct patterns and morphology. He collected data and spent six months observing the spider’s behaviour, including its predatory habits, feeding it small flies and other insects in a home terrarium.
This is not Kulkarni’s first discovery of a spider species. Three years prior, he identified another jumping spider from the Baner hills, which he named Okinawicius tekdi. The detailed description and publication of Mogrus Pune in the European Journal of Taxonomy confirm its status as a novel species.
The discovery of Mogrus Pune, along with another new species Mogrus shushka found in Rajasthan, contributes significantly to the understanding of India’s rich and diverse arachnid population. The genus Mogrus is known for its small, dry-habitat specialists with a wide distribution across Africa and Eurasia. The identification of these new species highlights the ongoing importance of biodiversity surveys in both urban green spaces and arid ecosystems across India.
The research, which also included the first-time documentation of Mogrus larisae in India and the description of the male of Mogrus rajasthanensis, emphasizes the need for conservation efforts. These findings underscore the ecological significance of microhabitats and the potential for numerous yet-undiscovered species residing within India’s varied landscapes.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
