Raj emerges as hotspot for new jumping spider discoveries

Jaipur: Scientists have identified new jumping spider species and recorded a Central Asian species in India for the first time, with studies pointing to Rajasthan’s deserts and rocky hills as an emerging hotspot for arachnid diversity.

Research published in the *European Journal of Taxonomy* and related work documents new species including *Mogrus shushka* and *Langelurillus udaipurensis*, along with major taxonomic updates and new distribution records from across the state.

A study led by Rishikesh Tripathi and his team reports ‘Mogrus shushka’ as a new species from Rajasthan’s desert landscape. The holotype was collected from Nimaaj (Chhatrasagar), with additional records from Desert National Park. “The species was found inhabiting dry, open habitats, and its name, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘shushka’ meaning dry, reflects its adaptation to arid ecosystems,” the researchers said.

The same study provides the first description of the male of ‘Mogrus rajasthanensis’, previously known only from female specimens discovered at Mount Abu. New samples from Jaisalmer helped complete its identification.

In another key finding, ‘Mogrus larisae’ has been recorded for the first time in India, based on specimens collected from Desert National Park. Earlier known from Central Asia and parts of the Middle East, its presence in Rajasthan is cited as strengthening ecological links between the Thar Desert and wider Afro-Asian arid regions.

Separately, researchers documented ‘Langelurillus udaipurensis’ from Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, based on a holotype male and three paratype specimens collected from rocky terrain in June 2024. Named after Udaipur, the species is adapted to dry, rocky habitats and was observed moving over rocks during daytime. It was found alongside other jumping spiders including ‘Orientattus aurantius’ and ‘Stenaelurillus’ species.

Scientists said identifying species within genera such as ‘Mogrus’ and ‘Langelurillus’ remains difficult due to subtle physical differences, underscoring the value of detailed field surveys in Rajasthan’s arid and semi-arid ecosystems.
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