Money spider, commonly found in European grasslands, has been spotted in the Muthanga range of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for the first time in the country.
Researchers from Christ College (Kerala) have also discovered ant-mimicking spiders belonging to the group of jumping spiders from the Muthanga range.
Today Current Affairs
About Money Spider :
The money spider belongs to the family of dwarf spiders (Linyphiidae) under the genus Prosoponoides.
So far only six species of spiders belonging to this genus have been identified worldwide.
It has been named Prosoponoides biflectogynus.
Male and female money spiders are usually 3 mm to 4 mm long, respectively.
Both males and females are dark brown in color with irregular silver and black spots on the oval abdomen.
They have many fine black spines on their olive-green legs. The Hindu Analysis
Eight black colored eyes arranged in two rows.
Females build triangular webs between dry tree twigs and feed on small insects, while males prefer to hide under dry leaves.
Two or more males can be found in the web of a female spider.
Anti-Mimicking Spider : The Hindu Analysis
Ant-mimicking spider named Toxius alboclavus.
They belong to the Salticidae family.
Male and female spiders of this species are up to 4 mm and 6 mm long, respectively.
A pair of white stripes on the dark brown belly of females sets them apart from other spiders in this group (jumping spiders). The Hindu Analysis
Males of the species are characterized by a brownish pectoral region and black thorax with white hairs.
These spiders have antler-shaped features in their protruding fangs.
A long spine is present at the base of each of their legs.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary : The Hindu Analysis
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) located in Kerala is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It was established in the year 1973.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve in India to be included in the UNESCO-designated World Network of Biosphere Reserves (designated in 2012).
Other wildlife parks under this reserve include Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley.
44 sq. km. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over an area of 10 km, is connected to the tiger reserves of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. The Hindu Analysis
River Kabini (a tributary of river Kaveri) flows through this sanctuary.
Forest types found here include South Indian moist deciduous forests, western coastal semi-evergreen forests and teak, Nilgiri/Eucalyptus and Grevelia forests.
Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Cheetah, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel etc. are the major mammals found here.
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