Tetragnathid spiders of India. Mygalomorph spiders of India. Spiders of Kerala. Orb Web Spiders of India. Jumping spiders of India. Crab Spiders of India. Indian Pisaurida. Indian Cob Web Spiders.
At 7th Asian Conference of Arachnology, October 2022
Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam,
Participants of the 6th ASA at SH College, Kochi, December, 2021
Dr.Reshmi Sekhar, at 4th ASA, Chongqing, China, October, 2017
Research Scholar of Arachnology lab, Dr.Reshmi Sekhar has participated in the 4th Asian Conference of Arachnology, conducted at South West University, Chongqing and presented her paper titled " First record of Rhomphae labiata from India"
Dr.Anusmitha Domichan at 7th ASA, Vietnam, October, 2022
The research scholar from arachnology lab, Dr.Anusmitha Domichan presenting her paper on Linyphid spiders of India
SERB Funded project on Genetic Diversity of Mygalomorph Spiders in the Western Ghats, Kerala (20-23)
Funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) with a total grant of ₹39,76,797, this project focused on understanding the taxonomic, genetic, and ecological diversity of mygalomorph spiders in Kerala’s Western Ghats. The key achievements include: Biodiversity Documentation: Identified 20 species of mygalomorph spiders across 11 genera. A few new species belonging to the genus Plesiophrictus were newly discovered. Several species, including Heligmomerus barkudensis and Haploclastus kayi, were documented in new locations. Genetic Insights: DNA barcodes were generated for 12 species and uploaded to NCBI GenBank, advancing genetic understanding and enabling phylogenetic analyses. Ecological Studies: Conducted habitat assessments for 14 species, categorizing them into burrowing, arboreal, and trap-door habitat types, shedding light on their ecological adaptations. Conservation Support: Created a referral collection of 26 spider specimens, contributing to the preservation of regional biodiversity and providing a resource for future research. Dissemination and Capacity Building: Published 17 scientific papers, conducted a workshop on spider diversity, and provided internships to students, fostering awareness and expertise in arachnology. This work significantly advanced knowledge of Kerala’s mygalomorph spiders, documented their genetic and ecological diversity, and contributed to their conservation and scientific study.
UGC-Funded Project on Theraphosid Spiders (2013-2017)
The UGC-funded study on theraphosid spiders in the Western Ghats (2013–2017), supported by a grant of ₹11,61,800, documented 19 species across seven genera, including Annandaliella, Haploclastus, Poecilotheria, and Neoheterophrictus. The project discovered four new species: Annandaliella nigra with its striking black coloration from Thattekkad, Haploclastus devamatha with bluish reflections from the Kulathupuzha-Achankovil forests, Neoheterophrictus chimminiensis beneath fallen logs in Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sahyadroaraneus sebastiani in the moist deciduous forests of Chimmini. It also extended the known range of Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Thrigmopoeus trunculentus to Kasargod, expanding their known distributions. About 50% of the recorded species are endemic to the Western Ghats, emphasizing its role as a biodiversity hotspot for theraphosids. Key conservation concerns include habitat loss due to deforestation, land excavation, and the illegal smuggling of visually striking species like Poecilotheria for the exotic pet trade. Ground-dwelling species are especially vulnerable to habitat disturbances. The study highlighted the need for habitat protection, forest connectivity to prevent gene pool fragmentation, and awareness campaigns to curb exploitation. This research significantly advanced the taxonomic and ecological understanding of theraphosid spiders while stressing the importance of preserving the unique arachnid diversity of the Western Ghats.
Taxonomy and Diversity of Theridiidae (Araneae) in Kerala.
Reshmi Sekhar's Ph.D. research focused on the taxonomy and diversity of Theridiidae spiders in Kerala, a family renowned for its intricate webs and ecological significance. Her study documented 36 species across 16 genera, contributing 36.36% of India’s known Theridiid spider diversity. Among these, three species were new to science, while others marked first-time records for India or new distributional ranges within Kerala. This comprehensive research provides a fresh perspective on Kerala’s Theridiid spiders, many of which had remained undocumented or misrepresented due to the lack of previous studies in the region. This pioneering work stands as a cornerstone for future studies, offering vital insights into the diversity, habitat preferences, and conservation needs of Theridiid spiders. By combining fieldwork with detailed species descriptions and revisiting historical records, Reshmi’s research lays the groundwork for deeper ecological studies and conservation initiatives. Her numerous publications and conference presentations highlight her contributions to arachnology, inspiring further exploration into India’s rich spider fauna.
Systematics And Diversity of Linyphiidae (Araneae) In Central Kerala.
Anusmitha Domichan’s doctoral research delves into the fascinating world of Linyphiidae spiders, also known as money spiders, focusing on their systematics and diversity within Central Kerala. This family, the second-most diverse among spiders, consists of 4,858 species worldwide, with Kerala previously hosting 16 recorded species. Her extensive study covered five districts—Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Thrissur—revealing 21 species across 13 genera, including 13 species and seven genera previously unreported in India. Through meticulous descriptions, photo documentation, and DNA barcoding, Anusmitha not only enriched the understanding of Linyphiid diversity but also described four novel species, such as Oedothorax cheruthoniensis Domichan & Sunil Jose, 2021, Oedothorax veloorensis Domichan & Sunil Jose, 2021. Prosoponoides idukkiensis Domichan & Sunil Jose, 2022 Her work underlines the ecological and taxonomic significance of Linyphiids, addressing the challenges posed by their small size and morphological variability. It sheds light on their habitat preferences—ranging from dense shrubs to high-humidity environments—and dietary habits involving small arthropods. The research culminates in six comprehensive chapters, offering insights into spider diversity and phylogenetics. Anusmitha’s findings have been disseminated through international seminars, national conferences, and peer-reviewed journals, establishing her as a key contributor to arachnological studies in India.
Conothele chinnarensis Sunil Jose, 2021
Conothele chinnarensis is a species of spider described by Dr. Sunil Jose K. in 2021. It belongs to the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas). This species was discovered in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Western Ghats of India, which is an area rich in biodiversity. The species was named chinnarensis after the sanctuary where it was found. It is notable for its unique characteristics that differentiate it from other members of the genus Conothele. The species exhibits distinct features in its morphology, particularly in the structure of its chelicerae and the arrangement of setae, which were important for its identification and classification. Conothele chinnarensis is considered an important addition to the spider fauna of the Western Ghats, as it highlights the region’s biodiversity and the need for further research into the ecosystem's unique arachnid species.
Haploclastus devamatha Prasanth & Sunil Jose, 2014
Haploclastus devamatha is a species of spider described by Prasanth and Sunil Jose in 2014. It belongs to the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas) and was discovered in the Western Ghats of India, specifically in the region around Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad, from which it derives its name. This species is known for its distinctive morphology, including unique features in its leg spination, which helped in its identification and classification. Haploclastus devamatha is a part of the genus Haploclastus, which includes species of burrowing spiders commonly found in forested regions. The discovery of Haploclastus devamatha adds to the growing list of unique and poorly studied spider species from the Western Ghats, underlining the region's rich arachnological diversity. The species also highlights the importance of continued research in these biodiversity hotspots.
Yaginumaella aishwaryi Sunil Jose, 2013
Yaginumaella aishwaryi is a species of spider described by Dr. Sunil Jose K. in 2013. It belongs to the family Theridiidae (comb-footed spiders) and was discovered in the Western Ghats of India, a biodiversity hotspot. This species was named after "Aishwarya," a reference to the individual who contributed to the discovery. Yaginumaella aishwaryi is characterized by its distinctive body structure, with unique features in its genitalia and spination, which helped to differentiate it from other members of the genus Yaginumaella. The species is a part of the smaller, often less studied group of spiders, adding to the growing knowledge of the region’s arachnid diversity. The discovery of Yaginumaella aishwaryi further emphasizes the ecological importance of the Western Ghats, underlining the necessity for continued research into the area's rich and diverse spider fauna.
Neoheterophrictus chimminiensis Sunil Jose, 2020
Neoheterophrictus chimminiensis is a tarantula species described by Dr. Sunil Jose K. in 2020. It was discovered in the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kerala, India, which is part of the Western Ghats, an area known for its rich biodiversity. This species is part of the Neoheterophrictus genus and is characterized by its distinct morphological traits, including specific features in its leg spination and body size. It is a burrowing species, typical of the tarantula family, and is believed to play an important role in the ecosystem of the region. The description of Neoheterophrictus chimminiensis adds to the growing body of knowledge about the diverse spider species in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. The discovery emphasizes the need for further research into the region’s arachnid fauna, as many species, like this one, remain understudied and are crucial for understanding the health and balance of local ecosystems.
Thelcticopis moolampilliensis Sunil Jose & Sebastian, 2007
Thelcticopis moolampilliensis is a species of spider described by Sunil Jose and Sebastian in 2007. Thelcticopis moolampilliensis belongs to the Sparassidae family, commonly known as the huntsman spider family. This species was first identified in the Western Ghats region of Kerala, India, specifically from Moolampilli, which is how the species name "moolampilliensis" was derived. Thelcticopis species are generally known for their robust and agile characteristics, and T. moolampilliensis is no exception. It was first described in 2007, and like other huntsman spiders, it likely has a flattened body and long, spiny legs. These spiders are active hunters, relying on speed and agility to capture their prey rather than constructing webs. The description of Thelcticopis moolampilliensis adds to the growing body of knowledge on the diverse spider fauna of the region, highlighting the importance of studying lesser-known and endemic species for conservation and ecological research.
Annandaliella ernakulamensis Sunil Jose & Sebastian, 2008
Annandaliella ernakulamensis is a tarantula species belonging to the Theraphosidae family. It was first identified in 2008 and is endemic to the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. This tarantula is known for its unique morphological features, including a distinctive tibial apophysis (a leg projection) with a comb-like arrangement of stout black spines and a row of spines on the inner side of its chelicerae (jaws) used for stridulation (sound production). This tarantula is likely a nocturnal ambush predator, inhabiting burrows in the ground. Its distribution is currently restricted to its type locality in Ernakulam, highlighting the importance of further research to understand its range and ecology.
Sahydroaraneus sebastiani Sunil Jose, 2017
Sahydroaraneus sebastiani is a species of spider described by Dr. Sunil Jose in 2017. It belongs to the family Tetragnathidae and was found in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India. The species was named in honor of Dr. Sebastian P. A., a prominent figure in the study of spider fauna. This species is notable for its unique morphological features, which distinguish it from other members of the genus Sahydroaraneus. The spider inhabits areas with dense vegetation, where it builds webs typically located between plants. This tarantula likely inhabits burrows in the ground, typical of many theraphosid spider species. Its discovery contributes to the understanding of spider diversity in the Western Ghats, highlighting the rich and under-explored arachnid fauna of the region. As with many endemic species, habitat loss and fragmentation pose a significant threat to the long-term survival of Sahydroaraneus sebastiani.